Exposure to waves from the Linky meter has been studied by the Health Safety Agency. It confirms that the probability of facing harmful effects is low. Linky meter waves have been a subject of debate for years.
Can the Linky meter, which has become widespread in our homes since 2015, put our health at risk? The pros and anti-Linky have been sticking to their positions for years. The controversy is strong: the Linky meter installed by Enedis is regularly accused of causing headaches, insomnia or dizziness due to electromagnetic waves.
So dangerous or not this Linky meter? ANSES, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, has published a new study based on measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields from third-generation (“G3”) meters installed since 2017. The studies were carried out by the Scientific and Technical Building Center (CSTB) and the National Frequency Agency (ANFR).
ANSES confirms “the low probability that exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by Linky meters will cause short- or long-term health effects”. It details: “The levels of exposure to emitted electromagnetic fields remain very low and well below the regulatory limit values”. Thus, exposure to waves from the Linky meter would be comparable to telephone chargers or induction hobs.
Fewer electromagnetic waves than wi-fi
According to the study, the electromagnetic waves of the Linky meter are lower than the waves of the wi-fi boxes. The Linky meter uses PLC technology (Power Line Communication) to communicate the information it records to Enedis.
Nevertheless, the ANSES study specifies that the results of the study “show that the transmission of communication signals on the network can vary greatly depending on the time of day”.
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Electrosensitive people suffer from several disorders
Still, a large number of electrosensitive people claim to suffer from several disorders – headaches, insomnia or dizziness – in the presence of Linky meters. However, the diagnosis remains difficult to make, recalls Futura Sciences. From one individual to another and from one moment to another, it does not manifest itself in the same way.
In the past, however, justice has repeatedly ruled in favor of Enedis customers against the Linky meter for medical reasons. The Tours court had ordered the removal of thirteen meters. At the same time, in Nanterre, the courts dismissed 430 customers who opposed the installation of a Linky meter.
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Linky meter: how much will people who refuse to have it installed have to pay?
The Linky meter is installed in 90% of French people, according to Enedis. Customers who refuse it must pay compensation of €48 per year since January 1, 2023.