Exposure to electromagnetic fields at home
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
At home
Mobile phone antennas, mobile terminals, Wi-Fi boxes, smart meters, high-voltage lines, household appliances, etc. are some of the sources of electromagnetic fields in our homes. The intensification of digital uses is considerably changing this environment, raising questions about the long-term effects on health.
So it’s important to be aware of the topic so that we can monitor changes in exposure levels in our homes and adopt recommendations for reducing our daily exposure.
Mobile telephony
Mobile telephony has become irreplaceable, and the younger generation sometimes uses it intensively at home. Checks are carried out to ensure that emissions from antennas are compliant, but it is important that the signal is sufficient to ensure that the phones themselves do not emit more electromagnetic fields. There are many recommendations on this subject.
Wi-Fi
It is possible to control Wi-Fi emissions in our homes. It is also possible to adapt our uses to reduce emissions in line with the precautionary principle. Wi-Fi is also very useful for connecting mobile phones when you get home. The phone emits fewer electromagnetic fields because the box is much closer than the relay antenna.
Electricity lines
Less present in our direct environment, our homes may nevertheless be close to power lines. Although not covered by the ANFR monitoring system, you can contact your local council if you have any concerns. Particularly as some studies point to health effects on children exposed to relatively low levels.
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Exem's response
As specialists in exposure to electromagnetic fields at home, we can help you manage your environment by helping you understand your actual exposure to high and low frequency. Your exposure to electromagnetic fields can come from a variety of sources, such as electronic devices, wireless networks, power lines and so on.
01
High-frequency or radio frequencies EMF
These lead to exposure to electromagnetic fields from sources such as Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile phones, cordless phones (DECT), smart meters, home automation systems, microwave ovens, etc.
02
Low or very low frequency EMF
The main sources of these electromagnetic fields are high-voltage lines, transformers, electrical installations, computer screens and household appliances (induction cookers, coffee makers, etc.).
03
Risks associated with EMF
Exposure is assumed to be harmless as long as emissions remain below reference levels. However, the regulations provide, as good practices, to reduce exposure of children, pregnant women, people wearing medical devices and electrosensitive people (EHS).
MANAGING ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Exem's solutions
Moving away from sources of emissions, switching off your electronic devices, limiting your use of Wi-Fi, finding out about low-emission products and reorganising your living space are just some of the preventive measures you can take. To manage your environment as effectively as possible, you first need to know the levels of exposure to which you are exposed every day. Only then you can apply the best practices to reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields, according to your profile.
Radio frequency measurements
Thanks to the ANFR system, all French citizens can have their exposure to electromagnetic fields measured in their homes. As an accredited laboratory, we can help you with your request by assisting you throughout the procedure. We then come to your home to carry out the measurements according to the ANFR protocol, before sending you a detailed report of the different levels measured by emitting source. The system covers exposure associated with fixed communicating objects such as communicating meters (Gaspar, Linky, Saur, Suez) as well as exposure to radio frequency sources (AM, FM, TV, DECT, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, etc.).
Electromagnetic property diagnostics
The proximity of a source of radiation such as a mobile phone antenna, power line or wind turbine can have an impact on the value of a property or plot of land. It is therefore essential to measure exposure to electromagnetic fields in order to assess the value of your property accurately and objectively, and to reassure potential buyers. This assessment can have a significant influence on the increase or decrease in value of your property.
Low-frequency measurement
These are used to assess exposure to electromagnetic fields in the frequency range below 400 Hz. This includes frequencies associated with electrical installations, household appliances and electricity transmission infrastructure. In compliance with the UTE protocol, we carry out a detailed mapping of the site to be monitored, paying particular attention to the 50 Hz frequency, which concerns sources such as overhead power lines, underground cables and urban substations. At the end of the mapping, we calculate an average based on three heights at the point of maximum exposure. The report then compares the measured values with the reference levels established by the Decree 2002-775.
The EMF Observatory
In the context of the rapid digital transformation of our society, the EMF Observatory, based on a network of intelligent and communicating sensors, carries out daily measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields and makes the data available to the general public in real time on its website.
We can help you
UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING
FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to electromagnetic fields in your home.
Our contact form enables private individuals to request a measurement of exposure to electromagnetic fields in residential premises. An Exem advisor will contact you to help you complete the CERFA document, which must be signed by an authorised organisation (town hall, municipality, approved environmental protection association, etc.) before being sent to the ANFR, which will process the request with our technicians. Once the measurements have been taken, you will receive a full report as well as a public report that will be accessible on the cartoradio.fr website.
Anyone can have their exposure to electromagnetic fields measured in their home free of charge. Individuals can also apply to their local council to find out about exposure in places accessible to the public, such as parks, shops or establishments open to the public.
The process is entirely free of charge, since the cost of the measurements is covered by the French National Frequencies Agency, which pays the accredited laboratories.
The duration of a measurement operation generally varies between one and three hours. Different types of measurement are available, depending on the objectives: an overall measurement to assess the exposure resulting from all the surrounding sources, and possibly a more detailed analysis to determine the specific contributions of each source to exposure for frequencies between 100 kHz and 6 GHz.
The absorption of electromagnetic fields by the human body depends on the frequency. As a result, exposure limits vary according to the frequency bands used by the equipment concerned. The limit values in France for the electric field are between 28 V/m and 87 V/m. In the case of Linky meters, the regulatory limits that must not be exceeded are 87 V/m for the electric field and 6.25 µT for the magnetic field.
