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Microwave emissions from police radar
J M Fink1, J P Wagner, J J Congleton
1Safety Engineering and Industrial Hygiene Program, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-3133, USA.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|February 12, 2000
Summary
Police officers face minimal microwave radiation exposure from traffic radar units. Even at close range, exposures are well below safety standards, with simple training mitigating any potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Electromagnetic Field Exposure
- Public Safety Technology
Background:
- Police officers utilize traffic radar units for speed enforcement.
- Concerns exist regarding potential non-ionizing radiation exposure from these devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate microwave radiation exposure levels for police officers using traffic radar.
- To compare measured power densities with established safety standards.
Main Methods:
- Collected exposure measurements at ocular and testicular levels of officers in patrol vehicles.
- Evaluated 54 radar units from 17 different models.
- Measured power densities at antenna faces and compared them to manufacturer specifications.
Main Results:
- Four out of 986 measurements exceeded the 5 mW/cm2 limit, all taken directly in front of the radar antenna.
- No measurements at officer positions exceeded 0.04 mW/cm2, less than 1% of conservative safety standards.
- Identified that high exposures are limited to the immediate vicinity of the radar aperture.
Conclusions:
- Police officer exposure to microwave radiation from traffic radar is minimal.
- Prudent avoidance strategies are recommended, including purchasing lower power units and proper training.
- Further research into non-ionizing radiation effects is warranted given scientific uncertainty.
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