EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE ABSORPTION FROM SELECTED WIRELESS DEVICES

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields absorbed from selected devices (telecommunication base station, laptop computer, Bluetooth ear-bud, Wi-Fi Router, TV receiver and Android iPhone) operating within the S-Band frequency were investigated. The fields radiated by each of the aforesaid devices were measured using an SMP2 RF meter at varying distances from the sources. The specific absorption rates for different class ranges of body mass were evaluated from the measured radiated fields at varying distances and compared with the ICNIRP standards for maximum exposure limits. The obtained results established that people staying at a distance of 1 m or less from each of the Wi-Fi routers, iPhone 11, and telecommunication base stations absorbed fields above the permissible level specified by the ICNIRP. In addition, individuals with lower BMI class ranges are more prone to high radiation absorption. This is obvious because only 8 kg/m2 and 16.45 kg/m2 BMI class averages have SAR values above the European standard of 0.08 W/kg. This indicates that moderately and severely thin individuals, including children, are at risk of higher radiation exposure when they remain in close proximity to these devices. Hence, every individual who interacts with these devices daily should be aware of the associated risks and take precautions