"'Carcinogenic Risk Level' Electromagnetic Waves Detected from Portable Fans... Ministry of Science and ICT Says 'We Will Verify'"

"Must Maintain a 25cm Safety Distance When Using"

An investigation revealed that portable fans emit electromagnetic waves exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) carcinogenicity standards. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] A study has found that wearable neck fans and handheld fans emit electromagnetic waves exceeding the carcinogenic exposure limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On the 26th, the Environmental Health Citizens' Center measured the electromagnetic waves of four necklace fans and six handheld fans sold in large supermarkets and bookstores this month. The results showed electromagnetic wave intensities ranging from at least 7.4 times to as much as 322.3 times the 4mG (milligauss, a unit of electromagnetic wave intensity), which is known to increase the risk of cancer.

The organization explained that, similar to common household appliances such as hairdryers and wired fans, electromagnetic waves are generated from the motors of battery-operated neck and handheld fans.

According to the investigation, the average electromagnetic wave intensity measured six times around the blades and motor of the neck fans was 188.77mG, with a minimum of 30.38mG and a maximum of 421.20mG. For handheld fans, the average was 464.44mG, with a minimum of 29.54mG and a maximum of 1289mG.

The organization noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the WHO, classifies electromagnetic waves as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B), and research indicates that long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves above 4mG increases the incidence of childhood leukemia.

The group stated, "While the distance of handheld fans can be adjusted during use, neck fans are worn around the neck, making it difficult to maintain a consistent distance, inevitably leading to high exposure to electromagnetic waves. Children and adolescents should refrain from using them." They further recommended, "Based on measurements taken by adjusting the distance, handheld fans should be used with a safety distance of about 25 cm to ensure safe usage."

Meanwhile, the organization had previously released a report on the electromagnetic wave risks of handheld fans in 2018. At that time, the Ministry of Science and ICT selected 45 products from over 580 models on the market based on motor type, power consumption, and battery capacity. All 45 products met human protection standards. In 2021, 10 products were selected and tested for electromagnetic wave exposure, all of which complied with human protection standards.

However, the organization argues that the government's application of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standard of 883mG as a human protection criterion is inappropriate, as it does not adequately reflect the long-term negative effects electromagnetic waves may have on the human body. They stated, "There are reports of health impacts, including cancer incidence, even below the thermal standard of 883mG adopted by the government," and urged, "The National Assembly should institutionalize the WHO's carcinogenic substance designation research value of 4mG as a national health safety standard."

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced, "We will measure the electromagnetic wave intensity of the products used in the Environmental Health Citizens' Center's recent measurements of handheld and neck fans according to domestic and international standard procedures and promptly disclose the results."

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