Honestly, this surprised me too. When I recently bought an electric car, I wasn’t told anything about possible radiation exposure to the passengers. I naively assumed that electric cars, the latest in the global automotive industry, had passed all compliance tests regarding non-ionizing radiation, the kind that is harmful to humans. To my surprise, I discovered that they had not. Because it’s a relatively new industry, radiation standardization—worldwide—simply does not exist.
So I took on the challenge and had my car’s radiation levels tested. Three hours later, I felt relieved. At least regarding my car. Fortunately, minimal radiation was found in my car, mostly coming from the wheel areas, but only at particularly high speeds.
But then—right before my eyes—a radiation test was conducted on one of the cars sold in Israel, a model popular primarily among families and often used for work purposes as well. The tester activated the radiation meter inside the car before starting it. The needle read 1 and a little milligauss (mG – a unit of electromagnetic radiation). This minimal level is reasonable, given that there is always some radiation in the air from electric cables or cell towers. Then the car was started. The radiation meter emitted strange beeps, and red lights turned on as the needle climbed to 37.7 milligauss in the front passenger seat and 43.3 milligauss on the right side of the rear passenger seat. Yes, exactly where your children sit.
In another car, considered luxurious and also driven by thousands on Israel’s roads, 53 milligauss were measured in the front passenger seat and 112 milligauss in the rear seat.
If these numbers mean nothing to you, it’s important to know that 4 milligauss is the maximum allowed according to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection. In other words, the radiation reaching the rear seat in that modern luxury car—driven by thousands in Israel—is almost 30 times higher than allowed.
Strict regulations in schools—but no regulation in cars
In classrooms, kindergartens, and even private homes, guidelines in Israel are clear: Do not place beds or seating near sources of non-ionizing radiation, such as electric panels, transformers, or wireless routers. As mentioned, if radiation levels above 4 milligauss are measured, the classroom may be immediately closed until the issue is fixed. Israeli guidelines are very strict on this matter.
However, regarding hybrid and electric vehicles, where children sometimes spend many hours a day, there are no guidelines or supervision at all. Meanwhile, more and more families in Israel are switching to electric or hybrid vehicles, whether for economic, environmental, or governmental incentive reasons. In recent years, numbers have skyrocketed—with over 170,000 electric vehicles already on the country’s roads, and about 360,000 hybrid vehicles. In other words, hundreds of thousands of children are already spending long periods in enclosed spaces near high-intensity radiation sources—and the state turns a blind eye regarding supervision.
These numbers are only expected to rise. According to forecasts, within less than five years, one in four new vehicles will be electric. And without regulation, the responsibility remains—again—with the parents.
German research: Not necessarily dangerous, but worrying
In other countries, the issue is on the agenda. A large-scale study recently published at the initiative of the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection examined 13 popular models of electric and hybrid vehicles. Measurements were conducted under laboratory conditions and while driving, using three-axis measurement equipment and strict protocols for mapping magnetic field levels in various seats in the vehicles.
Researchers found that in some cars, values above 1,000 milligauss were measured—mainly during acceleration or braking. On average, levels of 20–105 milligauss were recorded—far above the precautionary levels recommended in Israel. It’s important to clarify that according to international standards (ICNIRP), these levels do not exceed limits set for immediate nervous system effects. However, researchers emphasized that existing standards do not address chronic effects of cumulative daily exposure—especially in children—and called for a review of current policy.
The report recommends adopting a cautious policy, particularly developing tools for measuring and ranking vehicles by radiation level, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
The Israeli initiative that eliminates cabin radiation
And what does the public know about this? Research conducted at the Technion and Bar-Ilan University in 2024 found that when consumers are exposed to information about radiation levels in vehicles, many consider avoiding electric or hybrid cars—even if they are economical and environmentally friendly. But as long as there is no obligation to disclose such data to the public, it is difficult to manage the risks wisely.
In recent years, practical solutions have been sought worldwide to reduce radiation levels in electric and hybrid vehicles. However, one initiative, born in Israel, succeeds where others struggle. Shaul Shulman and Oded Einat, both with extensive engineering backgrounds in communication systems and rich experience in defense industries and civilian projects, developed technology capable of reducing radiation levels in vehicles.
Shulman and Einat recognized the potential of such a development and have studied the issue extensively in recent years. The innovative technology they developed through their company—SafeFields Technologies—successfully reduces non-ionizing radiation levels inside vehicles. It works via sensors that measure radiation intensity in real-time and generate an opposing magnetic field (anti-phase) that neutralizes the harmful effect and reduces overall field strength.
The system is customized for each vehicle after mapping radiation hotspots, can be installed in existing vehicles, does not require structural changes, and does not interfere with normal vehicle operation. Additionally, it operates dynamically while driving—adapting to changing conditions such as acceleration, braking, or constant driving—consuming low power without interfering with the vehicle’s internal electronics.
According to measurements conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, a dramatic reduction of up to 90% in radiation intensity was recorded in seating areas, with some locations measuring significantly below global standard limits.
“Often we see technological advancement running ahead—and only afterward does health awareness and protective regulation catch up,” explains Oded Einat. “The same applies to vehicle electrification and exposure to magnetic radiation. In such cases, it’s important to give people the tools and knowledge to manage the risks themselves—whether by choosing models with lower radiation ratings or by installing dedicated solutions that reduce exposure in problematic models.”
Is this radiation really that dangerous?
“It depends on whom you ask. According to international standards—not necessarily. According to Israeli recommendations—there is definitely reason to exercise caution, especially with children. Currently, there is no obligation to test, measure, or report—and the information is simply not accessible to the public. Due to the absence of regulation, the responsibility falls to parents. There is no need to panic—but it is important to know. Check, ask, investigate, and consider existing solutions to reduce exposure. As with many environmental and health issues, awareness can make a difference.”
While Israel has yet to officially recognize or supervise the issue, Germany is already taking it much more seriously. Shulman and Einat’s Israeli company is in advanced talks with a major German automaker interested in integrating the system into its electric and hybrid vehicles.
Ministry of Environmental Protection: “No international standard”
We contacted the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and this was their response: “The Ministry monitors exposure to magnetic fields (low-frequency radiation) in electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles. Indeed, a few cases have been found where high radiation levels were measured inside the passenger cabin, resulting from vehicle engineering and manufacturer decisions. To the Ministry’s knowledge, measures to reduce exposure already exist; however, there is no binding international standard or regulation for measuring radiation in vehicles, and this is also true in Israel.
“We emphasize that this is a consumer product where exposure is voluntary, and therefore the issue falls under the direct authority of the Consumer Protection Agency. Accordingly, the Ministry has worked with the Agency to establish a legal obligation in Israel for importers to publish radiation levels, but due to the absence of an international standard, this has not yet materialized.”