RF-EMF electromagnetic environment IN the West Bank, Palestine

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Electromagnetic Field Studies

Background:

• Increasing environmental distribution of electromagnetic field sources leads to rising public exposure to non-ionizing radiation.
• Previous studies indicated a need for updated assessments of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate current public exposure to RF-EMF in the West Bank.
• To compare current exposure levels with those measured 11 years prior.
• To identify the primary sources contributing to overall RF-EMF exposure.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of electric field strength were conducted in 149 outdoor locations across the West Bank.
• A tri-axial, frequency-selective personal exposure meter (EME SPY 140) was used, covering 14 frequency bands from 80 MHz to 6 GHz.
• Exposure quotients were calculated to assess compliance with safety limits.

Main Results:

• The average electric field strength across all locations was 1.4 V/m, with a maximum of 7.43 V/m in Ramallah city center.
• The maximum measured exposure quotient was significantly below unity (approximately 19 times lower).
• FM broadcasting (36%), UMTS2100 downlink (24%), and GSM 900 downlink (17%) were the dominant contributors to total RF-EMF exposure. Average total exposure coefficient increased twofold over 11 years.

Conclusions:

• Public exposure to RF-EMF in the West Bank is within established safety guidelines.
• Despite overall low levels, a significant increase in average exposure has been observed over the past decade.
• Continued monitoring is essential to track evolving exposure patterns from various RF sources.