EMF and RF FAQs

EMF stands for electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic fields are areas of moving electrical energy produced naturally by thunderstorms or derived from human-made electrical devices and wireless technologies. EMFs are created wherever electricity flows or radio waves are transmitted, such as from power lines, computers, Wi-Fi routers, mobile phones and electrical equipment.

EMFs are measured as either electric fields, magnetic fields, or radiofrequency (RF) radiation, depending on the source and frequency.

For more information, please read our article, What is EMF and how can risks be controlled?

RF stands for radio frequency. It refers to a type of electromagnetic wave used to transmit wireless signals for communication, such as Wi-Fi, mobile phones, Bluetooth, radios and smart devices.

RF sits at the higher-frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum and is commonly described as RF radiation when discussing exposure and safety.

EMFs are grouped into one of two categories based on their frequency:

Non-ionising: low-level radiation which is thought to be harmless to people but is dependent on the frequency and power level. It is emitted from telecommunication and broadcast transmitters where there is the most potential risk to workers but appliances such as microwave ovens, computers, wi-fi routers and Bluetooth devices also emit EMFs which are low risk.

Ionising: high-level radiation which can, under certain circumstances, lead to cellular or DNA damage with prolonged exposure. Sources of ionising radiation include ultraviolet rays from the sun and X-rays from medical equipment.

EMF is measured using different units depending on the type of field:

• Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m)
• Magnetic fields are measured in tesla (T) or more commonly microtesla (µT)
• Radiofrequency (RF) fields are usually measured in watts per square metre (W/m²) or volts per metre (V/m)

The unit used depends on whether the source is electrical, magnetic, or wireless (RF).

EMF is detected in occupational settings using EMF meters or monitors, which measure electric and magnetic fields separately. These devices assess field strength in units like volts per metre (V/m) for electric fields and microteslas (µT) or milligauss (mG) for magnetic fields, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

An EMF reader, also known as an EMF meter, is a device used to measure electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment. It detects and quantifies electric and magnetic fields, which are often produced by electrical devices, power lines, or natural sources.

How you calculate EMF depends on which type of field you’re measuring:

For an electric field, EMF strength is calculated as:
Electric field (E) = Voltage (V) ÷ Distance (d)
and is measured in volts per metre (V/m).

For a magnetic field around a conductor, it depends on the current (I) and distance from the source and is expressed in tesla (T) or microtesla (µT).

For radiofrequency (RF) fields (from wi-fi, phones, etc.), EMF is calculated using power density, typically measured in watts per square metre (W/m²), based on transmitted power and distance from the source.

In practice, EMF is not normally calculated manually; it is measured directly using an EMF or RF meter.

For occupational exposure, high EMF readings exceed limits set by bodies like ICNIRP. For magnetic fields, the limit is 1,000 µT (10,000 mG) at low frequencies (50-60 Hz), and for electric fields, it’s 10 kV/m (10,000 V/m). Readings above these thresholds require mitigation to ensure safety.

For occupational exposure, low EMF levels are below 100 µT (1,000 mG) for magnetic fields and 1 kV/m (1,000 V/m) for electric fields at power-line frequencies, posing minimal risk.

Many everyday electrical and wireless devices give off electromagnetic fields (EMF) because they either use electricity or transmit radio waves.

Common examples include mobile phones, wi-fi routers, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, televisions, smart meters, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, power lines, electrical wiring, chargers, and household appliances such as fridges and washing machines.

The strength and type of EMF vary depending on the device and how it is used.

Yes, solar panels do emit very low levels of EMF, but these come mainly from the inverter and electrical cabling, not the panels themselves. The EMF produced is non-ionising and normally well below recognised safety limits, meaning it is not considered harmful in normal domestic or workplace installations.

EMF blockers are products marketed as reducing or shielding people from electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by devices such as mobile phones, wi-fi routers and electrical equipment. They include items like stickers, cases, fabrics, paints and plug-in devices.

However, there is little reliable scientific evidence that most consumer EMF blockers significantly reduce exposure in real-world conditions, and some may interfere with device performance rather than provide effective protection.

EMF radiation is not considered harmful at the low levels people are normally exposed to in everyday life. Most common sources (such as wi-fi, mobile phones and household electrical equipment) produce non-ionising radiation, which does not damage DNA.

Exposure limits are based on international scientific guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and enforced in UK workplaces through the Health and Safety Executive. Harmful effects are only associated with very high exposure levels, mainly in specialist industrial or medical settings.

The primary area where EMF and RF can cause harm is in the Broadcast and Telecommunications sectors where potential harm can occur to workers if not properly controlled by the employer or landlord of the premises where EMF transmitters are located.

Reported symptoms attributed to exposure to EMFs include:

• Heating of the skin causing reddening and tingling sensation (extreme exposure)
• Heart palpitations
• Disturbed sleep
• Headaches
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration or changes in memory

Current scientific evidence shows no consistent or reliable proof that everyday EMF exposure affects sleep. Large reviews used by the Health and Safety Executive and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection conclude that EMF levels from common sources such as wi-fi, phones and electrical devices are well below levels known to cause harm, including sleep disturbance.

Some people do report poor sleep they associate with EMF, but controlled studies have not confirmed a causal link.

While there is no conclusive scientific evidence directly linking EMF exposure to anxiety, some individuals report experiencing symptoms like anxiety, stress, or fatigue, which they attribute to EMF exposure.

This condition, often referred to as electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), is not recognised as a medical diagnosis, and studies suggest these symptoms may be influenced by other factors, including psychological responses or environmental stressors.

Current scientific evidence shows no consistent proof that everyday EMF exposure causes headaches. Reviews used by the Health and Safety Executive and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection conclude that EMF levels from common sources such as wi-fi, mobile phones and electrical equipment are well below levels known to cause harm.

While some people report headaches they associate with EMF, controlled studies have not established a causal link.

Current scientific evidence shows no consistent proof that everyday EMF exposure causes heart problems. Reviews relied on by the Health and Safety Executive and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection confirm that EMF levels from common sources such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi and electrical equipment are well below limits known to affect the heart.

While some people report symptoms they associate with EMF, controlled studies have not demonstrated a causal link with heart disease or rhythm problems.

The primary UK legislation for EMFs is The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAW). EMF Regulations are considered part of broader workplace health and safety laws, so employers must adhere to their responsibilities outlined under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The general approach is to undertake a risk assessment in conjunction with the published, A Guide to the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016.

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 are UK laws that protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace.

They require employers to:

• Assess the levels of EMFs and RFs to which employees may be exposed.
• Ensure that exposure is below a set of ‘exposure limit values’ (ELVs).
• When appropriate, devise and implement an action plan to ensure compliance within the exposure limits.
• When appropriate, assess the risks of employees’ exposure and address those risks.
• Focus on high-risk employees that are referred as ‘those at particular risk’, such as expectant mothers and workers with active or passive implanted or body worn medical devices.
• Provision of information and training on the particular risks of EMFs and RFs in the workplace, and any actions taken to control the risk.
• Taking action if employees are exposed to EMFs or RFs in excess of the ELVs.
• Provision of health surveillance or medical examination when appropriate.

Please read our article, What are the Control of EMF Regulations UK 2016?

Industries and sectors where exposure to higher intensity EMFs is more common include:

• Healthcare
• Transport
• Telecommunications
• Engineering
• Broadcasting
• Energy distribution

Any employee who falls under one or more of these categories is at greater risk when working in proximity of EMFs and RFs:

• Expectant mothers who have made your organisation aware of their pregnancy.
• Employees who have the need for body-worn medical devices (BWMDs).
• Employees wearing passive implanted medical devices (PIMDs).
• Employees with active implanted medical devices (AIMDs).
• Employees who have metal plates, artificial joints, pins or shrapnel.

The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAW) requires Employers to provide information and training on the particular risks of EMFs and RFs in the workplace, and any actions taken to control the risk.

Many Broadcast and Telecommunication operators such as Arqiva and Cellnex insist that workers visiting their site must have an approved training course that meets the requirements of Masts and Towers Safety Group (MATS).

No, 5G and 6G do not require a different legal risk assessment, but they can require different measurement methods.

Under the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 (CEMFAW), the same EMF risk assessment framework applies regardless of the technology. However, 5G (and future 6G) use higher-frequency radio waves, so:

• assessments may need specialist RF meters capable of measuring higher frequencies,
• exposure can be more localised, requiring closer-range measurements near antennas or equipment,
• standard low-frequency EMF meters may not detect these fields accurately.

The law is the same, but the assessment tools and expertise may need to be different where higher-frequency systems are present.

EV charging stations do not pose a significant EMF risk to employees when properly installed and maintained. EV chargers emit low-level, non-ionising EMFs (similar to Wi-Fi or office electrical equipment).

What employers should do (proportionate controls):

• Use UKCA/CE-marked equipment
• Ensure competent installation
• Maintain chargers and include them in a simple EMF risk assessment

Employees who drive EVs for long periods (e.g. fleet drivers, sales staff, couriers) are not at increased EMF risk, and no additional controls or restrictions are required beyond normal vehicle safety measures.

• EVs generate low-level, non-ionising EMFs, mainly from the motor and power electronics.
• Measurements inside EV cabins show EMF levels well below UK and international exposure limits, even during extended driving.
• Exposure is normally lower than or comparable to that in petrol/diesel vehicles (which also have electrical systems).

There is no fixed EMF action level for employees with pacemakers or other active implanted medical devices (AIMDs).

Under Health and Safety Executive guidance, these workers are classed as “workers at particular risk”, and the standard EMF action levels do not apply to them. Even EMFs below general workplace limits can potentially cause electromagnetic interference.

What applies instead:

• A specific EMF risk assessment
• The implant manufacturer’s immunity specifications
• Controls to prevent interference, not just exceedance of numeric limits

For pacemakers/AIMDs, the effective action level is any EMF that could interfere with the device, assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than against a single exposure value.

Employers should manage EMF risks for employees at particular risk using a proportionate, case-by-case approach:

• Identify risk (e.g. pacemakers, body-worn medical devices, pregnancy).
• Assess EMF sources and tasks, focusing on whether EMFs could cause interference, not just whether general limits are exceeded.
• Apply simple controls where needed (e.g. avoiding close proximity to strong EMF sources, task adjustments).
• Record and review the assessment, especially if equipment or work activities change.

Targeted assessment and simple controls are usually sufficient; routine monitoring or exclusion is rarely required.

Employers should respond to claims of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) in a supportive, evidence-based, and proportionate way.

• Acknowledge the employee’s symptoms and take the concern seriously, without assuming cause.
• Explain the evidence: EHS is not recognised as a medical diagnosis caused by EMF exposure, and scientific reviews have found no consistent causal link between EMFs below guideline limits and reported symptoms (World Health Organization).
• Confirm compliance: reassure the employee that workplace EMF exposures are within limits and managed under UK law (as set out by Health and Safety Executive).
• Manage symptoms supportively: consider reasonable adjustments that address the symptoms themselves (e.g. workload, lighting, stressors), without implying EMF causation.
• Avoid unnecessary EMF testing unless there’s evidence of non-standard exposures or equipment faults.

Treat EHS reports as a wellbeing and management issue, ensure EMF compliance, communicate clearly, and offer supportive adjustments without reinforcing an unsupported link to EMFs.

Worry or anxiety about EMFs can affect wellbeing and should be addressed through standard workplace support and risk management, even if EMF levels are compliant.

Employers should manage psychosocial risks linked to “invisible” hazards like EMF through clear communication, reassurance, and normal wellbeing controls:

• Acknowledge concerns and listen without dismissing symptoms.
• Explain EMF health evidence clearly and confirm EMF compliance in plain language.
• Avoid reinforcing fear (e.g. unnecessary testing where exposures are already compliant).
• Address stress directly through wellbeing support, workload management, and reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
• Document and review concerns as part of stress and health risk assessments.

Even when the physical risk is low, the perceived risk can still cause harm. Manage it as a psychosocial health issue, not an EMF exceedance.