Radio Frequency

Understanding Radio Frequency

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), radio waves and microwaves emitted by transmitting antennas are one form of electromagnetic energy. These are collectively referred to as radiofrequency (RF) energy or radiation.
(Note: The term “radiation” here does not imply radioactivity.)

After years of research, the FCC has adopted Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for RF energy emitted by transmitters, including radio-read devices such as Neptune water meters used in South St. Paul. These guidelines include a prudent safety margin to account for subtle or unknown effects. Radio-read meters operate far below the FCC’s MPE limits.

For more information about radiofrequency, electromagnetic fields, and medical device interactions, visit the resources below:

Federal Communications Commission

• Radio Frequency Safety FAQ
• FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to RF Fields
• FCC Letter (PDF)

Food and Drug Administration

• Interference with Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices
• FDA Radiation-Emitting Products

World Health Organization

• Base Stations and Wireless Technologies
• Mobile Phones and Public Health

Other International Organizations

• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
• IEEE Electromagnetic Compatibility Society

Other Resources

• EMF-Portal
• Swedish Authority Report: EMF and Health Risks (PDF)

National Cancer Institute

• Cell Phones and Cancer Risk

International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

• ICNIRP Statement on Interphone Study
• Review of High-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Health (PDF)