Information about Radio Frequency
In order to communicate with other smart grid technologies, smart meters often employ radio frequency (RF) signals. Several health organizations and government agencies have noted the possibility of detrimental impacts on human health of RF radiation at certain levels[1]. These potential effects include blindness, sterility and cancer.
While science has demonstrated these risks, it is important to note that RF signals only pose a hazard to human health at exposure levels exponentially higher than those transmitted by smart meters. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted a recommended Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for all RF transmitters (including smart meters) operating at frequencies of 300 kHz to 100 GHz. These limits, based on field strength and power density, are well below the levels of RF radiation that are hazardous to human health. The FCC PELs for both workers and the general public can be found on page 15
here.
In 2011, the Electric Power Research Institute performed a study to gage human exposure to smart meters as compared to the FCC PEL[2]. The report found that most smart meters only transmit RF signals 1% of the time or less. At this rate, and at a distance of 1 foot from the meter, RF exposure would be at a rate of 0.14% of the FCC PEL. A 2011 California Council on Science and Technology came to a similar conclusion: "…at worst, human exposure to RF from smart meter infrastructure [transmitting at even 50% of the time] will be significantly lower than the guidelines[3]."
Here are some resources for further information:
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[1]
IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans;
FCC: Questions and Answers About the Biological Effects and Potential Hazards of Radiofrequency Radiation; and
NIH: High Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation Linked to Tumor Activity in Male Rats
[2] "Characterization of Radio Frequency Emissions from Two Models of Wireless Smart Meters." December 2011.
[3]
https://ccst.us/publications/2011/2011smart-final.pdf | pg 26