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In situ exposure to non-directional beacons for air traffic control.

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Joseph W, Goeminne F, Vermeeren G, Verloock L, Martens L. · 2012

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Workers at air traffic control beacon sites face EMF exposure exceeding safety guidelines at all measured locations.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested electromagnetic radiation from air traffic control navigation beacons at seven Belgian sites. Electric field levels exceeded international safety guidelines at all locations, with one site reaching 881.6 volts per meter, requiring protective measures for workers and nearby residents.

Why This Matters

This research reveals a concerning gap between real-world EMF exposure and safety guidelines in occupational settings. The fact that electric field levels exceeded ICNIRP reference limits at every single beacon site studied suggests these safety standards may not adequately protect workers in certain industries. What makes this particularly significant is that these are trained professionals working with known EMF sources, yet they're still being exposed to levels above established limits. The study's practical approach of providing compliance distances offers a roadmap for better protection, but it also highlights how many workers may currently be operating without adequate safeguards. This adds to the growing body of evidence that our current regulatory framework may be insufficient for protecting people from occupational EMF exposure.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0.011411 mG
Electric Field
881.6 V/m

Exposure Context

This study used 881.6 V/m for electric fields:

This study used 0.011411 mG for magnetic fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.011411 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 175,269x higher than this level

Study Details

In situ electromagnetic field exposure of workers and the general public due to non-directional beacons (NDB) for air traffic control is assessed and characterized

For occupational exposure, the maximal measured electric field value is 881.6 V/m and the maximal ma...

The maximum electric fields exceed the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection...

Cite This Study
Joseph W, Goeminne F, Vermeeren G, Verloock L, Martens L. (2012). In situ exposure to non-directional beacons for air traffic control. Bioelectromagnetics. 33(3):274-277, 2012.
Show BibTeX
@article{w_2012_in_situ_exposure_to_1082,
  author = {Joseph W and Goeminne F and Vermeeren G and Verloock L and Martens L.},
  title = {In situ exposure to non-directional beacons for air traffic control.},
  year = {2012},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22252685/},
}
PubMed: 22252685

Cited By (5 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Air traffic control navigation beacons can pose health risks through electromagnetic radiation exposure. A 2012 Belgian study found electric field levels exceeded international safety guidelines at all seven tested beacon sites, with one location reaching dangerous levels requiring protective measures for workers and nearby residents.
Yes, airport navigation beacons can cause biological effects through electromagnetic radiation exposure. Research at Belgian air traffic control sites found all locations exceeded international safety standards for electric fields, with magnetic field exposure also exceeding limits at two locations for occupational workers.
Safe distances from air traffic control beacons vary by location and beacon strength. The 2012 Belgian study established specific compliance distances for both workers and the general public after finding electromagnetic field levels exceeded international safety guidelines at all seven tested beacon sites.
Air traffic control navigation beacons do emit potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation. Belgian researchers found electric field levels exceeded international safety guidelines at all seven tested sites, with one location measuring 881.6 volts per meter, requiring protective measures for exposed individuals.
Airport navigation beacon systems pose electromagnetic field risks that can exceed international safety standards. A 2012 study found all seven Belgian air traffic control beacon sites exceeded electric field guidelines, with magnetic field exposure also problematic at two locations for occupational workers.