Narda STS Area Monitors detect if established safety limits for electromagnetic fields are being exceeded – reliably and transparently, 24/7
Electromagnetic (EM) fields are always present around us. They emanate from the earth's magnetic field, from lightning and from the sun itself. Unlike natural radiation, radiation produced by man is often the subject of controversy, because it is thought that it can be harmful to health. Precise measurements, with evidence that the area is being monitored 24 hours a day, help to dispel doubts. It is a case similar to that of the continuous monitoring of pollution and nitrous oxide present in the air in many inhabited areas.
The feeling that electromagnetic pollution is detrimental to health has deeply penetrated the population. The possible long-term effects of low intensity fields are being investigated, and there is much controversy on this topic. The ongoing debate about the potential damage to health caused by the increasing proportion of fields originating from mobile phones makes many people feel insecure. Speaking strictly from a scientific point of view, the electromagnetic fields present in domestic and work environments comply, in the vast majority of cases, with the international limits defined for the effective protection of environmental damage.
Electromagnetic pollution causes concern
There are two main aspects that cause irritation among the population. First of all, the news is full of reports that mobile communications networks are getting denser by the day. In addition to radio and TV transmissions, terrestrial or satellite, there are new, more powerful services, WLAN networks and wireless networks that use radio frequency. On the other hand, there seems to be some lack of information on the precise relationship between electromagnetic fields and health or biophysical effects.
Measurements Provide Certainty
Narda Safety Test Solutions (STS) has designed high quality “Area Monitors” as a specific solution to this problem, with accurate and reliable results. Narda specialists have combined all their knowledge and more than 80 years of experience to develop these systems. This is particularly important because the casuistry of electromagnetic radiation is very varied, and each case requires a different approach, which takes into account its special characteristics. The practical application of the in-depth knowledge of our specialists allows errors to be eliminated and misleading results to be prevented.
A similar case: Monitoring of environmental pollution
The idea behind Area Monitors can be compared in many ways to monitoring the presence of particulates and nitrous oxide in the air, which is done in many cities with high traffic density. Environmental institutions (like UBA in Germany) have set up monitoring centers that measure air quality several times a day. The results are immediately available to all citizens on the institution's website, with color maps, graphs and tables. At the end of the 90s, thanks to the advances made in the field of Medicine and taking into account the increasing levels of traffic, the inhabitants of large cities were already aware of the danger to health posed by environmental pollution. Over the years, continuous monitoring of levels and the ability to access the results has dispelled the sense of danger. If the tolerable limits are exceeded, the system immediately raises the alarm, and corrective actions are implemented, such as reducing the use of cars or even prohibiting traffic in certain areas.
Security and transparency in the places that need it most
The Area Monitors are robust equipment that constantly monitors the value of the field, in a 24/7 regime, which is especially important in schools, residential areas and busy public spaces, especially if they are close to communication antenna masts. mobile. These clearly visible sources of EM radiation often fuel people's fear of invisible electromagnetic pollution. In addition to storing the data locally, the modem incorporated in the Area Monitors allows the values to be transmitted to an online platform, where they are available in real time to anyone. All data is saved in the format recommended by ITU (International Telecommunication Union) standards. When any violation of the specified thresholds is detected, the system immediately generates an alarm.
Who uses these measuring stations?
Base station operators, mobile communication network providers and technicians from political and administrative institutions are the main users of Area Monitors. They are often motivated by a desire to provide scientific evidence that reduces doubt, skepticism, and anxiety about the health damage that electromagnetic fields can cause. Providing regular records of EM field values can also speed up the approval of new installations. The Area Monitors' standard reports ease the transition from an emotional discussion to a more constructive dialogue based on solid evidence. Other important fields of application of Area Monitors are scientific studies, tests and surveys carried out by universities, academic institutions and other organizations, in this relatively new subject.
Features and equipment
Narda offers two monitor models: AMB-8059 (broadband applications) and AMS-8061 (selective applications). Together, they cover the entire range of applications, from checks in the vicinity of transformers and high-voltage lines, to the monitoring of modern communications equipment, such as base stations, radio and TV transmitters, both terrestrial and satellite. Both models can detect and store the results of the measurements, without the need for local intervention, since they are powered by solar energy. They also include a rechargeable battery, essential when light levels are low, which provides up to 80 days of autonomy. Among other things, the “EMF Observatory” software allows access to the field values, from anywhere and at any time, using a simple PC. It is also possible to create a continuous monitoring system of a wide area, based on the web, using several Area Monitors.
