Government Begins Electromagnetic Wave Testing of 'Hyudaeyong Seonpunggi'... Results to Be Released on August 1

Environmental Civic Groups Warn About Electromagnetic Wave Risks of Portable Fans

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 27th that it has begun verification regarding concerns about electromagnetic wave risks from portable fans and will announce related results on August 1.

The Environmental Health Citizens' Center, an environmental civic group, disclosed the measurement results of electromagnetic waves emitted from portable neck and hand fans on the 26th and warned of potential risks.

First, the Ministry of Science and ICT (National Radio Research Agency) secured the same models (4 neck fans and 6 hand fans) on the 27th and plans to conduct electromagnetic wave measurements on these products by the 29th. On August 1, they will announce whether the products meet human protection standards along with detailed measurement results.

The measurements will be conducted according to the National Radio Research Agency's measurement standards (National Radio Research Agency Notice No. 2021-22), which are identical to international standards.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) international standard (IEC 62233) specifies the evaluation methods for magnetic field exposure to humans around household appliances and similar devices (frequency-specific exposure index evaluation methods) and detailed specifications for measuring instruments.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Since public concerns about the electromagnetic safety of portable fans are significant and differing measurement results may cause confusion, we will verify and announce the results as quickly as possible." They added, "We plan to transparently provide the public with information related to electromagnetic safety, including these measurement results, through the National Radio Research Agency's 'Electromagnetic Waves in Daily Life' website and the Korea Radio Promotion Association's 'Electromagnetic Safety Information' website."