Electric and hybrid cars bring numerous environmental and economic benefits, but one of the questions that is increasingly being asked is - can their use have negative consequences for the health of drivers and passengers?
Given that they run on electricity and use powerful lithium-ion batteries, the question arises of the level of electromagnetic radiation and the safety of staying in the vehicle while charging the battery.
Electromagnetic radiation - is there a reason for concern?
Every electrical device, including electric and hybrid cars, emits an electromagnetic field. This field is created by the operation of the electric motor, the charging system, and the battery itself.
Research conducted by institutions such as the World Health Organization and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection has shown that electromagnetic radiation in electric vehicles remains far below permitted safety limits.
A study conducted at the Technical University of Munich found that electromagnetic radiation in electric and hybrid vehicles is on par with that emitted by household appliances such as microwave ovens and laptops. The National Institutes of Health in the US also states that electromagnetic fields in electric vehicles have not been proven to be harmful to human health.
Comparison with traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines
Interestingly, internal combustion cars also generate electromagnetic radiation due to the alternator, electrical wiring, and engine ignition.
In many cases, research shows that the differences in electromagnetic radiation between electric and gasoline cars are not drastic, writes the Supertest.rs portal.
A study by the Swedish Institute for the Working Environment (IVL) has shown that electromagnetic radiation in electric vehicles is not significantly higher than that in conventional cars, and in some cases is even lower.
Is there a health risk?
According to the World Health Organization, there is insufficient evidence that electromagnetic fields at frequencies generated by electric vehicles can have harmful effects on human health. Also, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health state that radiation levels in electric cars do not pose a risk to drivers and passengers.
Is it safe to stay in an electric car while the battery is charging?
Another common question is whether it is safe to sit in an electric car while it is charging. Tests have shown that the electromagnetic field generated during car charging is of lower intensity than that of mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers, meaning that it does not pose a significant risk to human health.
In addition, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the European Chemicals Agency state that charging systems are designed to prevent any risk to the health of passengers. Electric vehicles have multi-layered protections that eliminate the risk of electric shock and overheating of batteries, reports Danas.rs.
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