Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas
Paul S. Ruggera · 1979
Government researchers measured CB antenna electromagnetic fields in 1979, establishing early protocols for RF exposure assessment.
Plain English Summary
This 1979 government study measured electromagnetic field levels near Citizens Band (CB) radio antennas to understand exposure patterns in close proximity to these transmitters. CB radios operate around 27 MHz and were extremely popular communication devices in the late 1970s. The research provided important baseline data for assessing RF exposure from CB antenna installations.
Why This Matters
This government research from 1979 represents an early effort to quantify RF exposure from CB radio antennas during the height of their popularity. CB radios typically operate around 27 MHz with power outputs up to 4 watts, creating localized electromagnetic fields that could affect users and nearby individuals. What makes this study particularly relevant today is how it established measurement protocols for assessing RF exposure in close proximity to transmitting antennas. The science demonstrates that understanding near-field exposures from personal communication devices has been a concern for decades, not just since cell phones emerged. While CB radios may seem antiquated, the measurement principles and exposure assessment methods developed in studies like this laid the groundwork for evaluating modern wireless devices that operate at much higher frequencies and power levels.
Finding
The data indicate that field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in the vicinity of these antennas under certain circumstances.
In their words
“The data indicate that field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in the vicinity of these antennas under certain circumstances.”
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagram extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To measure electromagnetic fields in the close proximity of CB antennas and determine if field strength limits can be exceeded under certain circumstances
Measurements of near fields generated by citizen band antennas operating at 27.12 MHz were conducted...
Field strength limits such as those recommended in the ANSI standard C95.1-1974 can be exceeded in t...
The health implications of these observations are not clear at this time. The Bureau of Radiological Health is continuing investigations of this matter. Field strength limits can be exceeded in the close proximity of CB antennas under certain circumstances.
Show BibTeX
@article{measurements_of_electromagnetic_fields_in_the_close_proximity_of_cb_antennas_g4115,
author = {Paul S. Ruggera},
title = {Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields in the Close Proximity of CB Antennas},
year = {1979},
}