A report on the dangers of smart meters prepared for the Vermont Department of Public Service says the radio frequency fields associated with the devices emit only a small fraction of the limits set by the Federal Communications Commission.
The report is based upon laboratory testing and field measurements of some wireless smart meters being used by Green Mountain Power and the Burlington Electric Department.
The report found the highest radio frequency field, at just over three feet from a meter, was 3.9 percent of the FCC's limit.
It says a cordless phone reached about 1 percent of the limit, a microwave oven 6.5 percent, and a cellphone, 10.5 percent
Vermont utilities are hoping smart meters can help save electricity, but some people are wary of the technology.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
