Point-to-point microwave relay antennas transmit and receive low power microwave signals across relatively short distances. These antennas are usually rectangular or circular in shape and have a variety of uses such as transmitting telephone and telegraph messages and serving as links between broadcast or cable TV studios and broadcast antennas. Microwave signals from these antennas travel in a directed, narrow beam from a transmitting to a receiving antenna and the dispersion of microwave energy outside the beam path is minimal or insignificant. The emission of radiation from microwave point-to-point communications antennas is regulated in New Jersey under the Radio Frequency Radiation statute, N.J.A.C. 7:28-42.

Microwave antennas mounted on free-standing towers or water towers typically result in ground-level radiation fields many orders of magnitude below the limits specified in Subchapter 42. Based on current research findings, it is not expected that any adverse health effects would result from exposure to radiation levels under these circumstances. As a comparison, radiation levels on the ground from these antennas are typically 10,000 times lower than the normal leakage encountered a few inches from the surface of a microwave oven. Some antennas may be mounted on rooftops or water towers. In these situations, for a few antennas, Subchapter 42 limits may be exceeded if one is standing directly in front of the antenna, a few inches from the antenna face. For many other antennas, the power levels are so low that Subchapter 42 limits will never be exceeded, even right up against the antenna.

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