Estimates and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart-connected homes

Authors: Joyner K, Milligan M, Knipe P

Year: 2024 Jul 18

Category: Bioelectromagnetics, Exposure Assessment

Journal: Bioelectromagnetics

Institution: Mobile and Wireless Forum

DOI: 10.1002/bem.22518

URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.22518

Abstract

Overview

The aim of this research was to quantify the levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF-EME) in a residential home or apartment that is equipped with a range of wireless devices, commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) or smart devices. Additionally, the study sought to develop a practical tool for estimating RF-EME levels in domestic environments.

Methods

  • Measurements were performed over three years in people's homes, covering 43 devices across 16 device categories.
  • An additional 12 devices were measured in detail in a laboratory setup, totaling 55 individual devices across 23 device categories.
  • Based on this measurement data, predictive software was developed for estimating home RF-EME exposure.

Findings

  • The predictive software indicated that even with a single device from each of the 23 device categories operating near maximum, total exposures at a 1-meter distance would amount to 0.17% of the ICNIRP (2020) public exposure limits.
  • In two real-world smart apartments—one with over 50 IoT devices, another with over 100 devices—driven to high use:
    • 6-minute average exposure: 0.0077% and 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30-minute public exposure limit, respectively.

Prediction Tool Features

  • The developed RF estimator tool (available from the Mobile & Wireless Forum website) includes a drop-down menu for selecting multiple IoT devices and separation distances, yielding an estimated exposure level for homes.
  • The tool accounts for device proximity as the main determinant of room exposures due to inverse square distance dependence and wall attenuation.

Conclusion

This predictive tool offers a conservative approach—adding a 3 dB enhancement for upper-bound estimates. Future work will expand device categories and incorporate wall/window attenuation for exposures involving neighboring homes and apartments.

EMF Safety Notice: The study confirms that occupants of smart-connected homes are exposed to measurable levels of RF-EME, and the provided estimation tool can help assess exposure levels to inform health risk mitigation in line with evolving EMF safety understanding.

radiofrequency electromagnetic fields IoT smart homes exposure measurement wireless devices predictive modeling
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