Seriously considering purchasing RX400h (I'm new to Lexus). Have a few children and am concerned about what I've read on the web (mostly from US) re electro magnetic interference from battery - a phenomenon unique to hybrids apparently. Alleged health issues range from mood swings, headaches to extremely serious illnesses. Clearly I don't want to put my family in harm's way. The RX is different to the regular Lexus models in that the very powerful battery is under the rear seat - where the kids sit in fact....
In our research thus far it's been difficult to find anyone who is prepared to come out and say it's 100% safe (much like the mobile phone scenario).
My wife and I need complete cast iron reassurance about the safety of this vehicle before purchasing and would appreciate anyone who has kids and a hybrid (or anyone with any views) dropping a note to this forum.
Thanks
Rickthecat,
I'm a fleet manager and we have done a thorough investigation of EMF in hybrids, particularly the Prius. Our organizational standard in workspaces is to limit EMF to under 5 mG (Milli Gauss). In hybrid vehicles it is not uncommon to see levels as high as 300 mG at floor level with intensity decreasing by the square of the distance. This being the case, if you and your family spend significant time in the vehicle you might want to think carefully about your decision to purchase a vehicle with high EMF characteristics. You can imagine the exposure levels experienced by couriers, taxi cab drivers and commuters.
In the numerous reports I have read to date, while there is no direct cause and effect relationship with EMF and negative health conditions, there is definately an established association with EMF and negative health effects, some of which you have discovered on your own.
In full hybrid vehicles, the primary source of EMF is the wiring harness that connects the rear Battery to the AC/DC inverter in the engine bay. In a Prius, the wiring harness can carry 100 amps of current at any particular time.
I would like to see an objective and thorough publication showing EMF levels in all vehicles. The Department of Transportation in the U.S. has developed a thorough testing protocol but has yet to use it. Testing a vehicle is quite an expensive proposition. EMF can be reduced through the use of nickel sheilding. EMF should also not be confused with EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference).
While you won't find a consensus on EMF and health effects, I think a car purchaser has the right to know the EMF levels of a vehicle they are considering.
Electromagnetic Fields?
in RX 300 / RX 350 / RX 400h / RX 200t / RX 450h Club
Posted
Rickthecat,
I'm a fleet manager and we have done a thorough investigation of EMF in hybrids, particularly the Prius. Our organizational standard in workspaces is to limit EMF to under 5 mG (Milli Gauss). In hybrid vehicles it is not uncommon to see levels as high as 300 mG at floor level with intensity decreasing by the square of the distance. This being the case, if you and your family spend significant time in the vehicle you might want to think carefully about your decision to purchase a vehicle with high EMF characteristics. You can imagine the exposure levels experienced by couriers, taxi cab drivers and commuters.
In the numerous reports I have read to date, while there is no direct cause and effect relationship with EMF and negative health conditions, there is definately an established association with EMF and negative health effects, some of which you have discovered on your own.
In full hybrid vehicles, the primary source of EMF is the wiring harness that connects the rear Battery to the AC/DC inverter in the engine bay. In a Prius, the wiring harness can carry 100 amps of current at any particular time.
I would like to see an objective and thorough publication showing EMF levels in all vehicles. The Department of Transportation in the U.S. has developed a thorough testing protocol but has yet to use it. Testing a vehicle is quite an expensive proposition. EMF can be reduced through the use of nickel sheilding. EMF should also not be confused with EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference).
While you won't find a consensus on EMF and health effects, I think a car purchaser has the right to know the EMF levels of a vehicle they are considering.