Silver Spring, MD — A new hazard alert from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training highlights ways to recognize and control hazards associated with radiofrequency radiation exposure.

Employees who work on structures near RF-generating devices such as radio, TV and cellular antennas may be at risk of exposure to RF radiation – an invisible, non-ionizing radiation used to transmit wireless information.

Although not considered hazardous at low levels, according to CPWR, RF radiation may pose a considerable health risk when produced by various devices because:

CPWR reminds workers that various antennas perform and emit RF radiation differently. Rectangular panel or dish-shaped transmitting antennas typically send radiation in one direction, but radiation can travel in any and multiple directions when emitted from cylindrical or rod-shaped antennas. Additionally, the direction of the radiation coming from hidden antennas – designed to blend into surroundings when affixed to a flagpole or a panel on the side of a structure – may be more difficult to determine.

CPWR provides the following tips for workers who anticipate performing tasks near antennas generating RF radiation:

The hazard alert cards are available in English and Spanish.

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