Modern Weather Surveillance Radars: Hygienic Aspects of Monitoring Electromagnetic Fields at Operators’ Workplaces and in the Environment

Abstract

Summary. Introduction: Location of weather surveillance radars near settlements, in residential areas and on airport premises makes it important to ensure safe levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) when operating these radio transmitters. EMF maximum permissible levels for weather radars developed in the 1980s are outdated. Our objective was to analyze modern weather surveillance radars to develop proposals for improvement of radar-generated radiofrequency field monitoring. Materials and methods: We studied trends in meteorological radiolocation and technical characteristics of modern weather radars for atmospheric sensing and weather alerts, analyzed regulations for EMF measurements and hygienic assessment, and measured radiofrequency fields produced by weather radar antennas in open areas and at workplaces of operators. Results: We established that modern types of weather radars used in upper-air sensing systems and storm warning networks differ significantly in terms of technical characteristics and operating modes from previous generations. Developed in the 1980s, current hygienic standards for human exposures to radiofrequency fields from weather radar antennas are obsolete. Conclusions: It is essential to develop an up-to-date regulatory and method document specifying estimation and instrumental monitoring of EMF levels generated by weather radars and measuring instruments for monitoring of pulse-modulated electromagnetic radiation.