A significant portion of our research activities is related to the measurement of the level of the electromagnetic field in the environment. Our research activities also include numerical methods for calculating the electromagnetic field. In addition to the research activities in this area, the laboratory also provides electromagnetic field level testing services.
The most clearly observed and researched biological effects of electromagnetic field (non-ionizing radiation), which are caused by exposure to fields, include: stimulation of nerves and muscles by induced currents (for fields of lower frequencies ~ below 10MHz) as well as potentially significant electromagnetic energy absorption (above 100kHz). Examples of the most present field sources in the urban environment are mobile telephony base stations and transmission lines. These sources may be of special interest for testing because they continuously emit fields during normal operation. If the sources are located near facilities where people spend a significant amount of their time and are not in compliance with relevant regulatory provisions, biological effects can occur. Biological effects may cause further health effects.
The scope of the testing performed by the Department of radiation and environmental protection includes the following:
– levels of exposure of general population and workers to high frequency electromagnetic fields, both outdoors or indoors, based on frequency selective measurements of electric field strength in the frequency range from 27 MHz to 6GHz
– levels of human exposure to low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, both outdoors or indoors, based on frequency-selective measurements of electric field strength and magnetic induction in the frequency range from 1Hz to 400 kHz
The final report includes the measured values of the electromagnetic field at all measuring points and also information about the measurement uncertainty. In cases when it is appropriate a calculation (extrapolation) is performed to take into account the maximum load of the source, based on the data provided by the source operator. The obtained results are compared to the legal limits determined by relevant legislation and standards.
Equipment
- Spectrum analyzers covering relevant bands up to 3 and 6GHz, respectively
- Network analyzers and software defined radio, radio signal generators
- Isotropic electric field measuring probes for frequency selective measurements
- Directional electric field measuring probes for frequency selective measurements
- Isotropic probes for measuring low frequency electric and magnetic fields
- Instruments for broadband electromagnetic field measurement
Requesting our services
Measurement and analysis can be performed at the request of the client in a process that includes the following steps:
- Communication (by phone or e-mail) with the laboratory in order to agree on the type of measurement and analysis;
- After the measurement and analysis, the report is delivered to the client (either by e-mail or by mail)
- The invoice can be sent separately or along with the report, and it includes the relevant details for payment to the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences.
CONTACT
T:+381 11 3408 383