The effects of radiofrequency (< 30 MHz) radiation in humans.
Zhao Z, Zhang S, Zho H, Zhang S, Su J, Li L, · 1994
View Original AbstractWorkers exposed to RF radiation above 100 V/m showed heart rhythm abnormalities, suggesting current safety limits may inadequately protect cardiovascular health.
Plain English Summary
Chinese researchers studied 121 workers exposed to radiofrequency radiation below 30 MHz for over a year, comparing those exposed to high levels (100 V/m or higher) versus low levels. While blood tests and nervous system function remained normal in both groups, workers exposed to higher radiation levels showed heart rhythm abnormalities on their electrocardiograms (ECGs). The researchers suggested 100 V/m as a safety limit for this type of radiation exposure.
Why This Matters
This occupational health study provides important evidence that radiofrequency radiation can affect heart function at levels well within current exposure guidelines. The finding of ECG abnormalities in workers exposed to 100 V/m or higher is particularly significant because these are the types of field strengths you might encounter near industrial RF equipment, broadcast transmitters, or even some medical devices. What makes this research compelling is its real-world approach, studying actual workers with chronic exposure rather than short-term laboratory conditions. The fact that researchers recommended 100 V/m as an exposure limit based on their cardiac findings suggests that current safety standards may not adequately protect against cardiovascular effects of RF radiation.
Exposure Details
- Electric Field
- <, > or = 100 V/m
- Source/Device
- < 30 MHz
Exposure Context
This study used <, > or = 100 V/m for electric fields:
- 333.3x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.3 V/m
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.
Study Details
The Aim of this study is to investigate The effects of radiofrequency (< 30 MHz) radiation in humans.
121 workers who were exposed to RFR (< 30 MHz) over one year were examined. They were divided into t...
No significant changes in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system and blood parameters (Hb, ...
Show BibTeX
@article{z_1994_the_effects_of_radiofrequency_1466,
author = {Zhao Z and Zhang S and Zho H and Zhang S and Su J and Li L and},
title = {The effects of radiofrequency (< 30 MHz) radiation in humans.},
year = {1994},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7724880/},
}