New technologies: Radiofrequency identification (RFID) devices
[Archive CMO Feature - Last updated: 31/08/05]
In addition to the above telecommunications equipment, RFID devices are radio-based devices widely used for transmitting data from transponders or tags placed on a variety of goods, for purposes of asset tracking and security. The radio communications system enables the tag devices to be interrogated and read (and in some cases programmed) remotely for purposes of identifying goods vehicles or animals. The readers and tags both have radio antennas as required for wireless communication using propagating electromagnetic waves.
Frequencies up to about 2.5 GHz are used for current applications, often using bands assigned for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) use. Higher frequency bands up to 6.8 GHz have been allocated for possible use in the future.
The rapid growth of such devices results in the widespread exposure of people to a variety of relatively low intensity RF fields, arising from various sources such as anti-theft equipment.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) estimated that in 2002 there were well over one million systems installed world-wide and current trends would suggest that this will increase. Exposure to this equipment is likely to be whole body as opposed to predominantly head exposure.
