The results were obtained using a scientific approach based on a rigorous protocol that involved taking measurements of the power density of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves over the course of summer 2012 at 23 homes and 34 public spaces throughout several regions of Québec. Readings were also taken on new-generation Hydro-Québec smart meters and on various pieces of home equipment (microwave ovens, baby monitors, wireless routers, etc.) that produce radiofrequency waves. All the data were gathered using high-end scientific equipment properly tailored to this type of measurement and calibrated by a certified government organization.

“With the publication of these results, Protégez-Vous and Polytechnique aim to contribute in an objective, scientific manner to the debate surrounding electromagnetic radiofrequencies. In doing so, we hope to help our readers see this controversial issue more clearly and form their own opinions,” said Clémence Lamarche, Senior Project Manager, Tests and Evaluations, with.

The study's main conclusions
All the measurements taken were well below Canadian and international standards. The highest ambient measurement taken in homes was 0.001 W/m² (2,000 times weaker than the Canadian standard) and the average maximum ambient measurement taken in homes was 0.0002 W/m² (10,000 times weaker than the Canadian standard). Here are a few of the conclusions:

• Densely populated environments are exposed to higher intensities. As such, apartments and condominiums have a higher average presence of radiofrequency waves than single-family homes. While exceptions do exist, the measurements indicate that the intensity increases on average as you go up each floor, and decreases in basements.
• In the 34 public spaces visited in Québec (parks, streets, office buildings), the highest measurement obtained was gathered at the top of Parc du Mont-Royal, 25 metres from the base of the FM radio antenna (0.12 W/m²). In this position, 75% of the signal measured came from the FM radio (between 88 and 108 MHz). For this frequency range, the standard is set at a maximum power density of 2 W/m². This means that the measurement gathered was 16 times lower than the Canadian limit.
• The measurements taken on new-generation smart meters match those published by Hydro-Québec. At about one metre's distance from the device, the average power density measured was 0.00005 W/m² (130,000 times weaker than the standard) and the maximum value of the electrical field's intensity was at 4 V/m (2,500 times weaker than the standard).
• Microwave ovens are by far the devices that emit the most radiofrequency in homes. Measurements were taken 30 cm from the device's door and at maximum strength. The average power density measured was 0.06 W/m² (155 times weaker than the Canadian standard). The results show that there is no link between the wattage as specified by the manufacturer and the power density measured. As well, neither the microwave's age nor its make seem to influence the results.

Devices designed to “protect” from radiofrequency waves
Protégez-Vous, along with experts from three different universities, also evaluated the performance of eight devices designed to “protect” against radiofrequency waves, including a sleeping bag, a protective cap, paint, polypropylene balls, an iPhone protective case, a pendant and a USB adaptor that plugs into a router or computer.

Conclusion: while some slightly reduce waves, others are purely the product of esoteric beliefs or scams.

About electromagnetic radiofrequency waves
Radiofrequency waves correspond to a certain range on the electromagnetic spectrum, between 3 kHz (3,000 Hz) and 300 GHz (3 x 10¹¹ Hz). An array of everyday devices, such as microwave ovens, Wi-Fi routers and cellphones work on these radiofrequency waves. Many communications systems also use them; this is the case with military communications and emergency services.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields comes from many sources. Whether in a residential space, a workplace or a public space, the intensity of these fields varies based on the type of emitting source and the distance at which an individual is located from the source.