Prof. Dr. Osman Çerezci, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, stated that electromagnetic radiation measurements from electric vehicles were found to be below predicted limits.
A working group formed within Üsküdar Üniversitesi conducted electromagnetic radiation measurements in electric cars from 3 brands available in the Turkish market.
As a result of the study, the magnetic field risk emitted by these vehicles was determined to be between 0 and 1.2 microteslas.
Prof. Dr. Osman Çerezci stated in a statement to an Anadolu Agency reporter that this result is well below the upper limit of 200 microteslas set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Çerezci explained that they formed a group within the university to conduct measurements related to electromagnetic radiation, stating, "People ask us, 'Are electric vehicles safe? Is there a magnetic field risk? Is our health in danger?' We conducted this study to obtain some objective data."
Reminding that fossil fuels are being abandoned due to climate change and the transition to electric vehicles will accelerate by 2030, Çerezci said, "20-30% of the vehicles we see in traffic today are electric. People using these vehicles are exposed to magnetic fields due to electric components. Knowing the level of this exposure is very important for consumers."
Çerezci stated that they performed measurements at different points in the three different electric vehicles they examined, repeating these measurements both when the vehicle was parked and charging, and at speeds of 40 kilometers/hour and 100 kilometers/hour.
Prof. Dr. Çerezci stated, "Here, we specifically measured the magnetic field. Because at the frequencies in question, the most effective parameter for health is the magnetic field. The values we obtained in our measurements were generally found to be between 0 and 1.2 microteslas. These values are below the limits stipulated by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which is also accepted by the World Health Organization."
"Indicates the risk is as low as possible"
Çerezci pointed out that ICNIRP has set the magnetic field limit at 200 microteslas and that the limits in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regulation are also at this level, stating, "The limits foreseen by the ICNIRP institution are 200 microteslas. In our country, a magnetic field limit of 200 microteslas is accepted as the threshold value. Our finding of 1.2 indicates that the risk is as low as possible."
Çerezci emphasized that electric vehicles emit magnetic fields both while in motion and when charging, adding that even though the risk is low, magnetic field leakages should be checked, especially after vehicle repairs.
Çerezci reported that they detected higher magnetic field levels around the charging cable and warned against having passengers in the vehicle during charging.
Prof. Dr. Çerezci stated that risks might be higher for individuals with metallic implants in their brains or those with pacemakers, but generally, they do not currently observe a significant health risk in electric vehicles.
Çerezci pointed out that electromagnetic fields are present everywhere and risks can also be observed in non-electric vehicles, adding:
"I believe the effect of high-voltage power lines should be taken more seriously. Because they can pass over our schools or within 10 meters of our homes. These need to be considered more within urban transformation planning, and transit corridors for high-voltage power lines should be arranged further away from homes, living areas, and parks. Electromagnetic radiation also causes environmental pollution."