Independent Environmental Consulting
212-203-7523Mon–Fri · 8 AM–6 PM

EMF & RF

RF exposure surveys and EMF measurements

We measure radiofrequency fields around rooftop and in-building antennas against FCC limits, map the zones where access must be controlled, and measure 60 Hz magnetic fields near electrical equipment.

47 CFR §1.1310FCC OET Bulletin 65IEEE C95.1ICNIRP 2010 (ELF)
Request a quoteSee the requirements
CONTROLLED ZONE>100% general MPE NOTICE 3.2 % SPATIAL AVG · 6 ft% of FCC general MPE
Results are reported as a percentage of the FCC maximum permissible exposure.

What we do

Measured, mapped and explained

  • Rooftop RF surveysSpatially averaged measurements with calibrated broadband probes at walkways, mechanical areas and roof access points.
  • Controlled-zone mappingDrawings showing where exposure can exceed general population limits, with recommendations for barriers and signage.
  • RF awareness for building staffPlain-language guidance for supers, roofers and contractors who work near antennas.
  • ELF magnetic field (EMF) surveys60 Hz measurements in apartments and offices near transformer vaults, electrical rooms and feeders.
  • Tenant and buyer concernsIndependent measurements and a written explanation when occupants ask whether nearby equipment is safe.

Requirements

The limits we measure against

RF limit
FCC maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits in 47 CFR §1.1310, which vary with frequency.
Two tiers
General population (uncontrolled) limits apply to anyone. Occupational (controlled) limits are five times higher and apply only to trained workers aware of the exposure.
60 Hz magnetic fields
No US federal residential limit. ICNIRP 2010 reference levels: 2,000 mG (public) and 10,000 mG (occupational).
Typical readings
Background 60 Hz fields in most homes measure a few milligauss or less.

FCC maximum permissible exposure by frequency

General population / uncontrolledOccupational / controlled
0.10.20.51251030 MHz100 MHz300 MHz1 GHz3 GHz10 GHz30 GHz100 GHz700 MHz LTE1.9 GHz PCS3.7 GHz C-band28 GHz mmWaveOccupational: 5 mW/cm²General population: 1 mW/cm²f/1500f/300Power density, mW/cm² (log)
Limits from 47 CFR §1.1310 Table 1 for 30 MHz to 100 GHz. Between 300 and 1,500 MHz the limit rises with frequency (f in MHz). Dashed lines mark common wireless bands.

Process

How an RF survey runs

  1. Site review

    We review the antenna inventory, roof layout and who has access, before going up.

  2. Measurement

    Spatially averaged readings over a 6-foot standing height on a grid across accessible areas.

  3. Comparison

    Each point is reported as a percentage of the general population and occupational MPE.

  4. Report

    Zone map, photos, readings and practical recommendations for access control and signage.

FAQ

Common questions

What does 3% of MPE mean?

The measured power density is 3% of the FCC limit for that frequency. Readings are summed across all frequencies present so the total can be compared with 100%.

Do the carriers have to shut antennas down for the survey?

No. We measure under normal operating conditions. Carriers may need to power down only when work must happen inside a controlled zone.

Are 5G antennas treated differently?

The same FCC rules apply. Millimeter-wave equipment above 1.5 GHz falls under the flat 1.0 and 5.0 mW/cm² limits shown in the chart.

Next step

Antennas on your roof?

Send the address and roof access details. We will quote a survey and a zone map.

Request an inspection212-203-7523