RF RADIATION FAQS FOR WORKERS
 If your job assignment places you at any type of commercial building or structure, you need to read this.
What is RF radiation?
RF is the abbreviation for “radiofrequency.” RF radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together (that is, radiating) through space
at the speed of light.
How is RF radiation used?
Many types of wireless services make use of RF radiation to transmit from
wireless antennas to wireless devices. Cellular phones, two-way radio services (police, fire, EMS), pagers, television, radio and satellite communications systems all operate using RF radiation.
Are there a lot of wireless antennas?
Yes. It is estimated that there are 500,000 governmental and commercial wireless antennas in the United States today. This number is projected to double within the foreseeable future.
Why are there so many antennas now, and why are there so many more to come?
The public’s demand for all things wireless has driven the need for more and more wireless antennas. Everyone now owns one or more wireless devices, and the growing number of applications puts an even further strain on wireless networks.
The demand for additional antennas is also driven by greater efficiency in governmental and business sectors. For instance, in many municipalities, even trash trucks are connected to the Web, and utility companies are now connecting house meters so they may be read wirelessly.
Have there always been a lot of wireless sites?
No. Less than 15 years ago, there were only 25,000 antennas, mostly confined to major metropolitan areas and freeway corridors. The antennas at that time were mainly on poles and towers and were only accessible by wireless company employees. These highly (RF) trained industry employees, then as now, are provided the means to protect themselves from the harmful effects of RF radiation. Their wireless companies turn down or shut off the power to the antennas while they perform their work orders.
If wireless workers are provided RF radiation protection, what about the rest of us?
Today, a fundamentally flawed system exists to protect all workers from RF radiation overexposure. The RF safety strategies that currently exist were developed in, and for, a bygone era.
Currently, no comprehensive RF radiation safety and health solution is in place. Third-party workers, like yourself, are mostly left unprotected from RF radiation overexposures.
What are my chances of being exposed to RF hazards from a wireless antenna?
Unfortunately, your chances are very high if your job assignments require you to perform tasks on the tops or sides of commercial, federal, state and municipal structures or office buildings, on utility poles and light standards, just to mention a few areas. Commercial trades that commonly come into contact with wireless antennas are electricians, roofers, painters, HVAC employees, sheet metal workers, maintenance workers, construction trades workers, first responders and utility trades employees.
Can RF radiation from wireless antennas be hazardous to me?
Yes, RF radiation over-exposure is proven to be dangerous to all humans. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognizes RF radiation as a known health and safety hazard and has established RF radiation human exposure limits to protect all workers. The science upon which the FCC regulations are based is long-standing and not the subject of any dispute. The science proves that human RF radiation overexposure may cause psychological injuries that include reduced brain function, memory loss, depression, mood swings and problems sleeping.
Will I feel anything if I am over-exposed to RF radiation?
In most instances, you may not have or be aware of any physical sensation of being overexposed to RF radiation. RF radiation cannot be detected by the senses. You cannot taste, smell or see it. A person can suffer an RF radiation overexposure injury without even knowing it at the time of being overexposed.
Where are the most common places I can be overexposed to RF radiation?
Wireless antennas are now everywhere. They are mounted on rooftops, the sides of buildings, billboards, utility poles, and light standards to name a few. To make matters worse, you may never see the antennas. They are often camouflaged or hidden entirely within building structures.
What is the solution to protect my health and safety from RF radiation?
The only viable solution in protecting all workers, not just wireless workers, is a comprehensive RF safety system that involves all parties within the “wireless ecosystem.” It must include the participation of workers, contractors, building owners, property managers, service providers, and state and local governments.
The very core of the system must be contained within a living database that provides workers with RF training/certification and up to date “site specific” RF safety information. In addition, it must provide the mechanism to request a power down or off of the antennas when a specific need arises.
How much will the RF safety system cost me, my contractor or my union?
Absolutely nothing. RF CHECK, Inc. is implementing a National RF Radiation Safety protocol that will ensure workers have the necessary training, certification and dynamic site specific safety information to protect them from RF radiation. RF CHECK’s unique business model makes available its patented RF safety system and services to all parties within the “wireless ecosystem” at no cost to them. RF CHECK’s RF safety system is funded by an insignificant surcharge (37 cents) on wireless subscribers’ monthly bills.
How can I help RF CHECK protect me from RF radiation overexposure?
The best action you can take to support RF CHECK’s mission statement of “protecting all workers from RF radiation overexposure at every wireless site in the United States” is to fill out a short survey on worker RF exposure.
The survey will be used to establish a baseline of information regarding RF overexposures and will assist in promoting a comprehensive RF safety solution to ensure RF overexposures don’t occur.
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