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<H1><SPAN class=main_title_ltgrey>Antenna dangers shown through online
tool</SPAN></H1>
<P><FONT face=Verdana>Swinburne University, together with EM Software and
Systems, has developed an online tool that will allow users to calculate
<STRONG>exclusion zones</STRONG> around antennas where radiation levels exceed
safety standard limits.<BR><BR>Commissioned by the Australian Communications and
Media Authority, the exclusion zone calculator will allow people to conduct
safety assessments of transmitting antennas, such as those found on boats, four
wheel drives and in radio communication networks.<BR><BR>All transmitting
antennas emit some level of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation.
However according to Swinburne researcher Dr Vitas Anderson, “this tool will let
people know where it is and is not safe to linger.” <BR><BR>“People who have
concerns will now be able to easily figure out the potentially hazardous areas
around their antenna and steer clear,” he said.<BR><BR>To <STRONG>calculate the
zone</STRONG>, all users need to do is enter <STRONG>the antenna type,
transmitter power, antenna gain and frequency band into the online
tool</STRONG>, and <STRONG>it will automatically calculate the safe distance
around the antenna</STRONG>.<BR><BR>According to Anderson, the tool will make it
much easier for individuals and small companies with limited resources and RF
expertise to comply with government safety regulations.<BR><BR>“Without the tool
exclusion zones are difficult and often expensive to assess, which consequently
reduces the level of compliance. The best way of increasing safety compliance is
by making it easier for people.” <BR><BR>“This project will provide the public
with access to an online tool that is easy to operate and gives clear and easy
to understand outputs.” <BR><BR>There are thousands of commercial transmitting
antennas throughout Australia that emit RF electromagnetic radiation. Safe
levels of human exposure to radiation are determined by the Australian Radiation
Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.<BR><BR>The online tool can be accessed at
the Australian Communications and Media Authority website: </FONT><A
href="http://www.acma.gov.au/" target=_blank><FONT
face=Verdana>www.acma.gov.au</FONT></A><BR><BR><FONT face=Verdana>Direct link:
</FONT><FONT face=Verdana><SPAN class=main_title_ltgrey><A
href="http://www.acma.gov.au/ExclusionZoneCalculator/Default.aspx">http://www.acma.gov.au/ExclusionZoneCalculator/Default.aspx</A></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>