Exposure Levels of Electromagnetic Waves from Humidifiers, Heaters, and Electric Mats Meet Human Protection Standards

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 28th that the electromagnetic wave exposure levels of household products such as humidifiers and dishwashers requested by the public, as well as those in infant and child facilities and large shopping malls, all met the electromagnetic wave human protection standards.

First, the electromagnetic wave exposure levels of 13 types of household products all met the human protection standards, with most products measuring at about 1 to 2% of the standard. Specifically, the levels were as follows: sterilizer (0.17%), air (space) sterilizer (0.18%), electronic piano (0.23%), dishwasher (0.29%), humidifier (0.29%), electric heating mat (0.22%), electric radiator (0.24%), heater (0.33%), electric cushion (0.34%), dehumidifier (1.18%), electric mat (2.71%), hair dryer (5.42%), and IH electric rice cooker (1~25%).

However, due to the need for instantaneous heating, hair dryers and IH electric rice cookers generated relatively higher electromagnetic waves compared to general home appliances. A Ministry of Science and ICT official explained, "In the case of the IH electric rice cooker, during the heating time (about 10 minutes after the product starts operating), the electromagnetic wave level reached up to 25% of the human protection standard, which is relatively high," adding, "It is advisable to avoid close proximity to the IH electric rice cooker immediately after cooking to reduce electromagnetic wave exposure."

Additionally, from May to early December, electromagnetic waves were measured at 1,394 living environment locations, including 810 infant and elderly facilities, 142 general public multi-use facilities (large shopping malls, bus terminals, bus stops, etc.), and 442 apartment complexes, villa neighborhoods, and downtown commercial areas. The results showed exposure levels around 1 to 3% of the human protection standard.

Considering the recent increase in 5G base station installations and the high public concern about the health effects of 5G base station electromagnetic waves, the Ministry simultaneously measured the electromagnetic wave intensity of 4G and 5G (3.5 GHz) base stations at the same locations. As a result, 4G base stations showed electromagnetic wave levels around 1 to 3% of the human protection standard, while 3.5 GHz band 5G base stations recorded levels around 1 to 2%, which is lower than that of 4G base stations.

By facility (region), infant and child facilities had the lowest electromagnetic wave levels, below 1% of the human protection standard, while large shopping malls, bus terminals, and other facilities frequently used by the general public, as well as downtown commercial areas, showed levels around 1 to 3%.

Electromagnetic wave intensities from TV broadcasting stations, wireless routers, and public Wi-Fi, other than mobile communication base stations, were around 1% of the human protection standard, confirming that the electromagnetic wave exposure levels to the public in the overall living environment are low.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "We will continue to measure electromagnetic waves from household products and spaces requested by the public to help improve understanding of electromagnetic waves in daily life and provide the results." Detailed measurement results can be found on the National Radio Research Agency’s ‘Electromagnetic Waves in Daily Life’ website and the KCA’s ‘Electromagnetic Wave Safety Information’ website (emf.kca.kr) resource center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.