In situ exposure to non-directional beacons for air traffic control.
Joseph W, Goeminne F, Vermeeren G, Verloock L, Martens L. · 2012
View Original AbstractWorkers at air traffic control beacon sites face EMF exposure exceeding safety guidelines at all measured locations.
Plain English Summary
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:
- 2.9Kx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.3 V/m
This study used 0.011411 mG for magnetic fields:
- 570.6x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 114.1x above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
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 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...
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/},
}