Exposure to EMF from smart utility meters in Great Britain; part I) laboratory measurements

Abstract

Overview

Laboratory measurements were conducted to assess the electric fields emanating from smart meters in Great Britain, focusing particularly on their operation at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Findings

• The study aimed to quantify the exposure of individuals to radiofrequency signals emitted by smart meters, comparing these to international health-related guidelines, particularly those established by the ICNIRP, and to other telecommunication sources like mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices.
• A total of 39 devices were tested to measure the angular distribution and power density of emitted electric fields.
• The highest power density measured during transmission at a distance of 0.5 meters or more was found to be 15 mW/m², significantly below the ICNIRP threshold of 10 W/m², indicating a low health risk from such emissions.
• A single outlier device exhibited a maximum power density of 91 mW/m².

Conclusion

The findings affirm that the electromagnetic emissions from smart meters are well within international safety standards, although the presence of an outlier suggests variability that may require further investigation.