Radio-Frequency Current Through the Feet of a Grounded Human

Radio-frequency currents through the feet of grounded human subjects have been measured, from 0.5 to 10 MHz, using a TEM-cell exposure system. The RF current is directly proportional to both frequency f and electric field, with an average constant of proportionality of 344 ± 14 (4 data) μ/(V· m-1·MHz). For the maximum exposures recommended by ANSI standard C95.1̲1982, the ankle specific absorption rates in some cases significantly exceed the ANSI limit of 8 W/kg. When the effects of footwear and near-field exposures are taken into account, ankle absorption rates will likely not exceed 8 W/kg. These current measurements permit the extension of the f2 law for human whole-body absorption rates from the HF band down to 60 Hz.