Original Article

Magnetic fields from steel-belted radial tires: Implications for epidemiologic studies

  1. Samuel Milham1,*,
  2. James B. Hatfield2,
  3. Richard Tell3

Article first published online: 22 SEP 1999

DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-186X(199910)20:7<440::AID-BEM5>3.0.CO;2-X

Issue

Bioelectromagnetics

Bioelectromagnetics

Volume 20, Issue 7, pages 440–445, October 1999

Additional Information

How to Cite

Milham, S., Hatfield, J. B. and Tell, R. (1999), Magnetic fields from steel-belted radial tires: Implications for epidemiologic studies. Bioelectromagnetics, 20: 440–445. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-186X(199910)20:7<440::AID-BEM5>3.0.CO;2-X

Author Information

  1. 1

    Gravelly Beach Loop NW, Olympia, Washington

  2. 2

    Hatfield and Dawson Consulting Engineers, Inc., Seattle, Washington

  3. 3

    Richard Tell Associates, Las Vegas, Nevada

*2318 Gravelly Beach Loop NW, Olympia, WA 98502-8837.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 SEP 1999
  2. Article first published online: 22 SEP 1999
  3. Manuscript Revised: 19 JAN 1999
  4. Manuscript Received: 14 AUG 1998

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Keywords:

  • steel-belted radial tires;
  • tire-generated alternating magnetic fields;
  • magnetic field exposure assessment;
  • degaussing;
  • automobile tires

Abstract

Magnetic fields emanate from radial tires due to the presence of reinforcing belts which are made of magnetized steel wire. When these tires spin, they generate alternating magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (ELF), usually below 20 Hz. The fundamental frequency of these fields is determined by tire rotation rate and has a sinusoidal waveform with a high harmonic content. The static field of radial tires can exceed 500 μT at the tread, and the tire-generated alternating fields can exceed 2.0 μT at seat level in the passenger compartment of vehicles. Degaussing the tires reduces both the static and alternating fields to low levels, but the fields increase gradually over time after degaussing. The tire-generated fields are below the frequencies detected by most of the magnetic field meters used in previous studies of power frequency magnetic field health effects. If these fields are biologically active, failure to detect them could compromise exposure assessments associated with epidemiologic studies. Bioelectromagnetics 20:440–445, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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