RADIATION CHARACTERISTICS OF TRAFFIC RADAR SYSTEMS

The results of measurements and calculations of microwave radiation power density produced by two typical traffic radar systems were reported and discussed in this report. Traffic radar systems are small portable units used by police to determine speed of vehicles relative to that of the police vehicle in which the unit is mounted. It was determined that traffic radars were low-powered devices, incapable of producing environmental levels of microwave radiation greater than 0.01 W/sq m at distances where persons would normally be exposed during use of such systems. Police personnel using the radar system could be exposed to power densities up to 36 W/sq m. For comparison purposes, the threshold for exposure allowed by the OSHA occupational exposure standard is 100 W/sq m for exposure durations of 6 minutes or more.

• Corporate Authors:

  Environmental Protection Agency

  Office of Radiation Programs
  Washington, DC  United States  20460
• Authors:
  • Hankin, N N
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 16 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electromagnetic radiation; Environmental engineering; Highway traffic control; Law enforcement; Measurement; Microwaves; Motor vehicles; Police vehicles; Power output; Radar devices; Radar vehicle detectors; Radiation hazards; Speed; Traffic speed
• Old TRIS Terms: Power measurement; Power measurements
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00146285
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: ORP/EAD-76/1 Tech. Note
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM