Experimental determination of human exposure in the near field of VHF sources: Correlations between incident field strength and currents induced in lower legs of persons

An experimental study was performed on seven human volunteers exposed in the reactive near field of a biconical antenna operating in the frequency range 30-110 MHz, in order to provide a preliminary framework for a further more complex study dealing with provision of a rapid and reliable procedure to assess personnel exposure to radiation emitted by nearby radio-communication antennas. Twenty experimental configurations were prepared for each individual to finally analyze the situation statistically. Incident field characterization - by electric field strength determination and body induced current measurement were accomplished. Challenging situations were encountered for reactive near field assessment. Significant correlations between incident field level and induced current were scarcely, being dependent on exposure configuration. Reliable correlations were however observed for a parameter described as `normalized current'.