Appendix C - Radiation Exposure Information Regarding Use Of Emg Sensors - Noraxon Ultium EMG System User Manual

Ultium EMG Hardware User Manual
13.3 Appendix C – Radiation Exposure Information Regarding Use of EMG
Sensors
Each EMG sensor contains a radio frequency transmitter. The radiated power emitted from each
individual EMG sensor is very low. To put this in perspective, at full power each EMG sensor transmits
at less than 0.8% of the power of a typical active cell phone. Radiation exposure from a single EMG
sensor is thus extremely low.
The EMG sensors are designed to operate at two different power levels in order to keep the already
very low levels of radiation exposure to an absolute minimum. The EMG sensors activate their higher
power level only during periods of actual data collection. During idle times (at setup and in between
actual measurements) the EMG sensors reduce their radiated power to an even lower level (less than
0.01% of the power of a typical active cell phone).
The effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological tissue are still being studied and published 'safe
levels' of exposure are subject to review. Today, cell phone usage is widespread and declared 'safe,'
although the long-term cumulative effect of cell phone usage has yet to be determined. In contrast, the
EMG sensors operate at power levels 125 to 10,000 lower than typical cell phones while limiting
exposure to a single episode over a brief time interval.
Because there can be multiple EMG sensors applied in intimate contact with the body, their sum total
collective radiation effect may be questioned. Based on comparative power levels, a full complement of
16 EMG sensors emit a combined (distributed) radiation level still an order of magnitude lower than
that of a typical cell phone, which radiates all of its energy from one focal point (next to the person's
head).
At present, Noraxon identifies no restrictions on use and placement of the EMG sensors on any portion
of the human body. The EMG sensors operate at radio frequencies known to effect older style
pacemakers. Because the effects are not known at this time, Noraxon advises against using the EMG
system on anyone with an implanted pacemaker.
In summary it is prudent to keep in mind that due to biological diversity, certain individuals may have
higher sensitivity to radiated emissions. Although it has never been known to occur, the use of the EMG
system should be stopped if the person being monitored reports any unusual sensations.
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