ANSES confirms that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by Linky meters is very low and well below regulatory limit values.
- ANSES ensures that Linky meters generate a low level of exposure to waves.
- These exposure levels are comparable to those emitted by household appliances such as smartphone chargers or induction hobs.
- These new data confirm the results of the ANSES expert appraisal previously carried out in 2017.
There is no need to fear about the waves emitted by Linky meters assures the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses) in a communicated published on May 11, 2023. This work confirms the conclusions of previous expert appraisals.
Linky: very low levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields
ANSES updated its expertise on third-generation Linky meters. The latest measurements carried out by the Scientific and Technical Center for Building (CSTB) and the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) on the device have delivered results that are reassuring as to their impact on public health.
Admittedly, the tests carried out have shown that the emission of communication signals on the electrical network can vary according to the time of day and that it is “higher than expected”. However, the levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted “remain very low and well below the regulatory limit values”. They would not represent a health hazard.
Electromagnetic fields: exposure levels comparable to an induction hob
“These exposure levels remain comparable to those emitted by household electrical or electronic devices such as multimedia device chargers or induction hobs”, writes the agency in its press release. This new report also shows that the exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by the optional ERL modules (Linky radio transmitter) is “very weak” And “significantly lower than that of a Wi-Fi box, for example”.
These new data confirm the results of another ANSES expert report published in 2017. The Agency then concluded, while it was “very unlikely that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by smart meters can cause short or long term health effects”.
However, some caution is still required
Despite these reassuring results, preventive measures remain in place at a time when technologies are evolving very quickly, recalls ANSES. She recommends that “the development of these connected objects is now accompanied by the definition of methods and tools specific to characterizing people’s exposure”.
