Smart Meters Come With Safety Risks

July, 2025

Smart meters are used by utility companies to remotely measure how much electricity, natural gas, water, and other utilities we use. These devices, which have replaced analog, human-read meters on the outside of most U.S. homes, use electromagnetic radiation to gather and share information about consumption levels in the home. It is estimated that 77% of U.S. homes have smart meters installed, whether or not residents are aware of it. But are these meters safe, and can we choose whether or not they are installed in our homes?

         The Massachusetts state legislature is currently considering emergency measures to assure citizens a choice of meters. In speaking before the legislature, Dr. Kent Chamberlin, President of the Environmental Health Trust, advised against installing smart meters, saying they are a significant source of harmful radiation, ”and they radiate a lot more than we’d guess considering the small amount of data that needs to be transmitted.”

         Smart meters also present cybersecurity risks, Dr. Chamberlin testified saying how easily burglars could use them to remotely monitor when people are in their homes. The good news is that hardwiring meters to the internet can address both of these problems while still allowing utility companies to monitor usage remotely. Dr. Chamberlin is urging the legislature to pass bills that would “allow citizens to opt out of toxic utility meters.”

For more info on smart meters check out The Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/health-risks-posed-by-smartmeters/

Wireless Tip:

If you're sitting directly under a wireless router at work, request that your desk be moved or that the router be relocated. You don't want a router near you. —Environmental Health Trust