EMF Exposure from Household Products Is Extremely Low
Similar Results Found at Data Centers and High-Voltage Power Line Facilities
Measurement results have shown that the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure levels from electric heating mats and electric heaters, which are commonly used for heating during winter, meet the safety standards for human protection. EMF exposure levels near data centers or areas with high-voltage power lines were also found to be negligible.
On December 29, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it had measured EMF exposure levels from household products such as electric heating mats and electric heaters, as well as across various living environments including educational, residential, and public facilities. The results showed that all subjects met the EMF safety standards for human protection. South Korea's EMF safety standards for human protection are based on those recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) under the World Health Organization (WHO).
Electric heating mat. Photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Getty Images Bank
Since 2019, the Ministry of Science and ICT has selected target products and facilities from major household items and living spaces distributed in Korea every year, and has released the EMF measurement results to the public in order to address public concerns and anxieties regarding everyday EMF exposure.
In the second half of this year, the “Everyday EMF Committee” operated by the Ministry of Science and ICT selected 32 types of household products, totaling 38 items, that are of high interest to consumers. The National Radio Research Agency measured and analyzed these products according to EMF intensity measurement standards from October 16 to November 27.
The results showed that the EMF exposure levels from electric heating mats and electric heaters, which are used intensively during winter, were minimal compared to the safety standards for human protection. Electric heating mats measured at 0.62% or less of the standard, and electric heaters measured between 0.20% and 0.43%. Radiators measured at 0.22% or less, and electric blankets and hand warmers were also at 0.18% or less.
The same was true for electric toothbrushes, wireless chargers, electric shavers, blenders, air fryers, electric kettles, hair irons, and Bluetooth earphones. All of these products measured at 3.99% or less of the EMF safety standard for human protection.
Measurements at data centers, which are known to consume massive amounts of electricity, and at facilities near high-voltage power lines showed similar results. EMF intensity was measured at six data centers, four multi-use facilities with the same high-voltage power lines (154kV, 22.9kV), as well as nearby daycare centers and schools. All were found to be around 1% or less of the safety standard for human protection.
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to continue measuring EMF exposure levels, focusing on electronic products with increased seasonal usage and living spaces requested directly by the public, and to transparently release the results.
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