Radiofrequency Radiation Assessment Report

Transcription

1 Radifrequency Radiatin Assessment Reprt Cathlic Schls Office Lismre Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl July 2014 Reference: C109995:J Nel Arnld & Assciates Pty Ltd Level 1, 2 Mayneview Street Miltn QLD 4064 Ph: (07) Fax: (07) C J WiFi RFR Cathlic Schls Lismre Reprt July 2014

2 Radifrequency Radiatin Assessment Reprt Cathlic Schls Office Lismre Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl Executive Summary Intrductin Nel Arnld & Assciates Pty Ltd (NAA) was cmmissined by the Lismre Cathlic Schls Office t undertake a Radifrequency Radiatin (RFR) Assessment f the WiFi netwrks at Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl in Skennars Head NSW. The assessment was undertaken n Wednesday 9 th July 2014 at the request f Rick Sandersn, Team Leader, ICT Client Services, Cathlic Schls Office, Lismre. Methdlgy Measurements were taken f nn-inizing radiatin assciated with Radifrequency Radiatin Fields (RFR) generated by WiFi Access Pints (WAPs) and assciated laptps, tablets, mbile phnes and ther cnsumer WiFi enabled devices. These measurements f nn-inizing radiatin were taken t assess the health-related risk t ccupants f the assessed areas. The areas within the scpe f the assessment included classrms, libraries, schl halls and staff rms. The assessment was undertaken using an ARPANSA calibrated RF Radiatin Survey Meter: NARDA NBM-550 E Field Strength Meter. The mnitr was fitted with an istrpic prbe capable f measuring a maximum rated pwer density f up t 100 mw/cm 2 at frequencies in the range f 0.3 GHz t 40GHz. A certificate f calibratin fr the equipment used is included in Appendix C. Findings The highest value recrded (6 minute averaged) was mw/cm 2 next t the WAP in Rm H1 at Xavier Cllege. This is still rders f magnitude (mre than 10 times) belw the mst cnservative expsure standard f 0.2 mw/cm 2. As mst WAPs are lcated n the ceiling, expsure t even this level wuld nt be a rutine ccurrence. This pwer level drpped t an average f mw/cm 2 nly ne meter belw the WAP in H1. The average recrded level in the centre f the class rms, with all devices streaming was mw/cm 2. The maximum pwer utput measured at any WAP was mw/cm 2 at the WAP in Xavier Cllege Library. This was ttal maximum pwer utput as ppsed t the 6 minute average referenced in the legislatin. This value was 1/10 th f the expsure standard. Cnclusin Current research n the health impacts f nn-inizing radiatin used by RFR Fields indicates that levels recrded thrughut the Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl shuld nt cause adverse health effects t students r staff, even with heavy use f the WiFi netwrk. This is true regardless f prximity t the wireless access pints. Recmmendatins Based n the findings f this study, n specific recmmendatins are made with regards t expsure t radi frequency radiatin at either Xavier Cathlic Cllege r Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl. J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: i

3 Radifrequency Radiatin Assessment Reprt Cathlic Schls Office Lismre Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl Table f Cntents 1. Intrductin Scpe f Wrks Backgrund Infrmatin and Observatins WiFi Services in Australia Methdlgy Limitatins Standards Results Discussin Cnclusin Recmmendatins... 6 Appendix B: Site Phtgraphs... 7 Appendix C: Equipment Calibratin Certificate... 9 J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: ii

4 Statement f Limitatins This reprt has been prepared in accrdance with the agreement between Cathlic Schls Office Lismre and Nel Arnld & Assciates Pty Ltd. Within the limitatins f the agreed upn scpe f services, this wrk has been undertaken and perfrmed in a prfessinal manner, in accrdance with generally accepted practices, using a degree f skill and care rdinarily exercised by members f its prfessin and cnsulting practice. N ther warranty, expressed r implied, is made. This reprt is slely fr the use f Cathlic Schls Office Lismre and any reliance n this reprt by third parties shall be at such party's sle risk and may nt cntain sufficient infrmatin fr purpses f ther parties r fr ther uses. This reprt shall nly be presented in full and may nt be used t supprt any ther bjective than thse set ut in the reprt, except where written apprval with cmments are prvided by Nel Arnld & Assciates Pty Ltd. J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: iii

5 1. Intrductin Nel Arnld & Assciates Pty Ltd (NAA) was cmmissined by the Lismre Cathlic Schls Office t undertake a Radifrequency Radiatin (RFR) Assessment f the WiFi netwrks at Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl in Skennars Head NSW. The assessment was undertaken n Wednesday 9 th July 2014 at the request f Rick Sandersn, Team Leader, ICT Client Services, Cathlic Schls Office, Lismre. 2. Scpe f Wrks Measurements were taken f nn-inizing radiatin assciated with Radifrequency Radiatin Fields (RFR) generated by WiFi Access Pints (WAPs) and assciated laptps, tablets, mbile phnes and ther cnsumer WiFi enabled devices. These measurements f nn-inizing radiatin were taken t assess the health-related risk t ccupants f the assessed areas. The areas within the scpe f the assessment included: Xavier Cathlic Cllege; Library; Classrms (representative sample); Staff rm; Staff ffices; Cmmn grunds; and Schl Hall. Hly Family Primary Schl; Representative class rm in each blck; Staff Rm; and Library. 3. Backgrund Infrmatin and Observatins The bjective f the assessment is t prvide the Cathlic Schls Office with a cmprehensive assessment f the field strength and ptential human expsure t RFR generated within the Wi-Fi enabled classrms at Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl. It is understd that there have been cncerns raised by parents f students at the schl that there may be ptentially harmful levels f expsure t radi waves prpagated frm Wi-Fi and laptps in the classrms. The mnitring will determine the emissins and expsure t staff and students against the general public expsure standard fr nn-inising radiatin. WiFi access pints (WAPs) are installed in all classrms and cmmn rms thrughut bth schls fr the purpses f allwing staff and students t use ntebk cmputers and laptps withut being physically cnnected t the netwrk. There are apprximately 1000 students at Xavier Cllege and class sizes are up t 30 students. Due t the lgistics f having students present during testing, it was decided t cnduct the testing utside f the schl term and use a number f ntebk cmputers t simulate usage n a heavy-use schl day. 3.1 WiFi Services in Australia RFR is the cmmnly used term fr describing emissins with frequencies ranging frm 100 khz 300 GHz. Typically, this describes the regin where mbile phne cmmunicatin systems, WiFi, radi and TV statins perate. A subset f this bandwidth, micrwave radiatin, has frequencies that are clse t the natural frequency f vibratin f many f the mlecules making up the human bdy and it is therefre ptentially bilgically active. J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 1

6 Wi-Fi systems utilise radi waves in the 2.4 r 5 Gigahertz (GHz) range and typically have a fairly lw utput f milliwatts. The cverage indrs is typically abut metres and multiple antennae can be utilised t increase the cverage r size f the ht-spt. Emissin surce f EMF will include the Wi-Fi antennae and als laptps and ther wireless devices such as tablets and mbile phnes. 4. Methdlgy The assessment was undertaken using an ARPANSA calibrated RF Radiatin Survey Meter: NARDA NBM-550 E Field Strength Meter. The mnitr was fitted with an istrpic prbe capable f measuring a maximum rated pwer density f up t 100 mw/cm 2 at frequencies in the range 3 MHz t 18 GHz. A certificate f calibratin fr the equipment used is included in Appendix C. Time averaged measurements were taken ver six (6) minute survey perids. Measurements were taken at varius lcatins in a representative sample f WiFi-enabled rms including classrms, libraries and staff rms. Measurements were taken generally in the centre f the rm, near clusters f ntebk cmputers, and immediately next t the WAP. The lcatin f the WAP varied frm rm t rm; hwever, mst were lcated n the ceiling and were ut f reach except by ladder access. Where the RFR reading is at the WAP, the distance frm the surce was 100mm. In all, a ttal f twenty seven (27) measurements were recrded at Xavier Cathlic Cllege and eighteen (18) at Hly Family Primary Schl. Measurements were taken f the WAP bth prir t and after turning n the ntebk cmputers. Apprximately 30 ntebk cmputers were used fr the survey at Xavier Cllege and apprximately 8 ntebks were used in each lcatin at the primary schl. Assistance was prvided by Rick Sandersn and Sctt Thmpsn f Cathlic Schls Office Lismre t ensure that all ntebks were streaming cntinuusly during the measurements. 5. Limitatins It is imperative t nte that this assessment was undertaken in rder t btain representative measurements f RFR emissins currently experienced n the site. These measurements were intended t be indicative nly and the fllwing must be nted: Spt measurements were taken thrughut the site between 9am and 2.30pm n Wednesday 9 th July It is assumed that these measurements taken at this time wuld be sufficient t gain a representative indicatin f expsure levels during times f maximum WiFi activity. It is als assumed that all equipment in the area was perating as nrmal at the time f the assessment. Findings and recmmendatins are made using current standards and current understanding with regards t expsure t RFR, and any changes in standards r knwledge f health effects that may ccur in the future shuld be taken int accunt when interpreting the results. J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 2

7 6. Standards The radiatin measured in this assessment is classified as nn-inizing radiatin. This means they are unable t break mlecular bnds inside human bdy cells. It is fr this reasn that they are currently nt recgnised as being able t initiate the develpment f cancerus grwth. The Australian Radiatin Prtectin and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Radiatin Prtectin Standard Maximum Expsure Levels t Radifrequency Fields 3 khz t 300 GHz (ARPANSA, 2002) utlines the fllwing reference levels fr time averaged expsure t RMS electric and magnetic fields: Table 1. Reference Levels fr Time Averaged Expsure t RMS Electric and Magnetic Fields (Unperturbed Fields) Ntes Frequency Range E-Field Strength (V/m rms) General Public H-Field Strength (A/m rms) Equivalent plane wave pwer flux density S eq (W/m 2 ) 100 khz 150 khz khz 1 MHz /f - 1 MHz 10 MHz 86.8/f /f - 10 MHz 400 MHz MHz 2 GHz 1.37 x f x f 0.5 f/200 2 GHz 300 GHz Occupatinal 100 khz 1 MHz / f - 1 MHz 10 MHz 614 / f 1.63 / f 1000 / f 2 10 MHz 400 MHz MHz 2 GHz 3.07 x f x f 0.5 f / 40 2 GHz 300 GHz f is the frequency in MHz. 2. Highlighted rws indicate thse frequency ranges targeted during this assessment. At 2GHz 300 GHz frequency range (WiFi perates in the 2 5 GHz range) the reference level fr the general public regarding equivalent plane wave pwer flux density (S eq ) is apprximately 50 W/m 2, r 5 mw/cm 2. Hwever, as frequency analysing equipment was nt used during this assessment we d nt knw what specific frequencies were being measured. Therefre, we need t cnsider the reference levels fr the full frequency range measured by the survey equipment (3 MHz t 18 GHz). The mst stringent reference level fr any frequency band within the range measured by the survey equipment will be adpted as a guideline during this assessment. At 10 MHz 400 MHz, the reference level fr the general public regarding equivalent plane wave pwer flux density (S eq ) is 2 W/m 2 (0.2mW/cm 2 ). J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 3

8 7. Results The results f the assessment are presented in Table 2 belw. All recrded levels f RFR are well belw the reference levels specified fr the general public. Knwn RFR surces include WiFi WAP, Ntebk cmputer WiFi and mbile phne carrier frequencies. Where the reading was taken at the WAP, the maximum value recrded as well as the average is shwn. Sample Lcatin Table 2. RFR Assessment Results Lcatin and descriptin Equivalent plane wave pwer flux density S eq (mw/cm 2 ). Max pwer utput in brackets fr WAP readings. General Public Reference Level 0.2 Xavier Cathlic Cllege 1 Library centre f rm, 15 devices streaming Library - WAP (0.0254) 3 Library WAP, 20 devices streaming Library desk next t ntebks, 20 devices streaming Classrm C4 middle f rm, n streaming Classrm C4 at WAP, n streaming Classrm C4 middle f rm, 25 devices streaming Classrm C4 at WAP, 25 devices streaming (0.0046) 9 Classrm C5 at WAP, 25 devices streaming (0.0007) 10 Classrm C5 middle f rm, 25 devices streaming Classrm J1 - middle f rm, 28 devices streaming Classrm J1 at WAP, 28 devices streaming (0.0143) 13 Classrm JM1 at WAP, n devices streaming (0.0021) 14 Classrm JM1 middle f rm, 27 devices streaming Classrm JM1 at WAP, 27 devices streaming (0.0157) Staff rm - middle f rm, 28 devices streaming (2 WAPs in ffice) Staff rm Emma s desk, 28 devices streaming (2 WAPs in ffice) Staff rm 7 Redfrd desk, 28 devices streaming (2 WAPs in ffice) Staff rm cmmn area, 28 devices streaming (2 WAPs in ffice) J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 4

9 Sample Lcatin Table 2. RFR Assessment Results Lcatin and descriptin Equivalent plane wave pwer flux density S eq (mw/cm 2 ). Max pwer utput in brackets fr WAP readings. General Public Reference Level 0.2 Principal s ffice entry area WAP, 28 devices streaming in staff rm Principal s ffice entry area middle f rm, 28 devices streaming in staff rm (0.0094) Schl Hall n stage, n devices streaming (WAP abve stage) Schl Hall middle f hall, n devices streaming Classrm H1 at WAP, n devices streaming (0.0088) 25 Classrm H1 middle f rm, 26 devices streaming Classrm H1 at WAP, 26 devices streaming (0.0192) 27 Classrm H1 desk belw WAP, 26 devices streaming Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl 28 Blck B middle f rm KC, 8 devices streaming Blck B WAP f rm KC, 8 devices streaming (0.0138) 30 Blck C WAP, n devices streaming Blck C middle f rm, 8 devices streaming Blck C WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0037) 33 Blck D - WAP, n devices streaming Blck D middle f rm, 8 devices streaming Blck D WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0005) 36 Blck F - WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0005) 37 Blck F middle f rm, 8 devices streaming Blck G middle f rm, 8 devices streaming Blck G - WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0011) 40 Staff rm at WAP, ntebks nt streaming (0.0083) 41 Staff rm middle f rm, 8 devices streaming J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 5

10 Sample Lcatin Table 2. RFR Assessment Results Lcatin and descriptin Equivalent plane wave pwer flux density S eq (mw/cm 2 ). Max pwer utput in brackets fr WAP readings. General Public Reference Level Staff rm at WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0073) 43 Library at WAP, ntebks nt streaming (0.0003) 44 Library middle f rm, 8 devices streaming Library at WAP, 8 devices streaming (0.0096) 8. Discussin The highest value recrded (6 minute averaged) was mw/cm 2 next t the WAP in Rm H1 at Xavier Cllege. This is still rders f magnitude (mre than 10 times) belw the mst cnservative expsure standard f 0.2 mw/cm 2. As mst WAPs are lcated n the ceiling, expsure t even this level wuld nt be a rutine ccurrence. This pwer level drpped t an average f mw/cm 2 nly ne meter belw the WAP in H1. The average recrded level in the middle f the class rms, even with all devices streaming was mw/cm 2. The maximum pwer utput measured at any WAP was mw/cm 2 at the WAP in Xavier Cllege Library. This was ttal maximum pwer utput as ppsed t the 6 minute average referenced in the legislatin. Even this value was 1/10 th f the expsure standard. 9. Cnclusin Current research n the health impacts f nn-inizing radiatin used by RFR Fields indicates that levels recrded thrughut the Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl shuld nt cause adverse health effects t students r staff, even with heavy use f the WiFi netwrk. This is true regardless f prximity t the wireless access pints. 10. Recmmendatins Based n the findings f this study, n specific recmmendatins are made with regards t expsure t radifrequency radiatin at either Xavier Cathlic Cllege r Hly Family Cathlic Primary Schl. J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 6

11 Radifrequency Radiatin Assessment Reprt Cathlic Schls Office Lismre Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl Appendix B: Site Phtgraphs J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 7

12 Phtgraphs Pht 1. Typical WiFi Wireless Access Pint (WAP) Pht 2. WAP lcated well away frm where students and teachers sit Pht 3. Narda NBM 550 Bradband Field Meter Pht 4. Classrm with 27 ntebks streaming data- Narda NBM in middle f rm Pht 5. Measuring field strength next t WAP Pht 6. Xavier Cllege Library WAP J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 8

13 Radifrequency Radiatin Assessment Reprt Cathlic Schls Office Lismre Xavier Cathlic Cllege and Hly Family Primary Schl Appendix C: Equipment Calibratin Certificate J WiFi RFR Assessment Cathlic Schls Lismre-final-v2 Page: 9

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