Science ministry says electromagnetic-field exposure meets safety limits

The science ministry said that all 4,780 living-environment sites measured in its first-half survey, including child-care centers and data centers, met domestic human-protection standards for electromagnetic fields. The ministry said it conducts the checks every six months, selecting products and locations that draw public or social interest to address questions and concerns about electromagnetic fields in daily life.

The survey included 2,956 facilities requested by the public, as well as youth education sites, public buildings and medical facilities. Readings at facilities used by children and young people, medical institutions and sites serving older people or people with disabilities were around 1 percent of the standard. Residential and commercial areas, together with mixed-use facilities including data centers, were within 4 percent.

The ministry also measured 34 consumer products across 22 categories, including small appliances for one-person households and appliances equipped with artificial intelligence. Field intensity ranged from 0.08 percent to 35.32 percent of the standard. Seasonal products, including portable camping air conditioners and insulated tumblers, registered between 0.21 percent and 4.10 percent of the standard.

At four smart bus shelters in Songdo New City, Incheon, tests under summer operating conditions found emissions from interior spaces and equipment no higher than 1.11 percent of the standard. The shelters have cooling and heating units, air-circulation equipment, Wi-Fi and other ICT facilities.

In the second half, the ministry said it will continue testing products requested directly by the public, products with seasonal demand and living environments that draw high public concern or interest. Members of the public can apply for measurements through the National Radio Research Agency and Korea Communications Agency electromagnetic-field information websites.