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RF-EMF exposure assessment with add-on uplink exposure sensor in different microenvironments in seven European
Han Van Bladel1, Bram Stroobandt1, Adriana Fernandes Veludo2
1Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / imec, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
Environment International
|March 16, 2025
Summary
A new cost-efficient sensor measures radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure from 5G New Radio (NR) devices. Power levels varied significantly by usage scenario, with maximum uplink scenarios showing the highest exposure, especially in urban areas compared to villages.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetic field measurements
- 5G New Radio (NR) technology
- Environmental exposure assessment
Background:
- Existing radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) measurement solutions for 5G New Radio (NR) are costly and complex.
- A novel, cost-efficient, low-complexity sensor has been developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new sensor for measuring personal RF-EMF exposure.
- To assess RF-EMF exposure levels across different European countries, urbanization settings, and usage scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Activity-based microenvironmental surveys were conducted in seven European countries using a smartphone-attached add-on sensor.
- The sensor quantified the auto-induced uplink (a-UL) transmission component for frequencies between 100 MHz and 6000 MHz.
- Measurements were taken in non-user, maximum downlink (max DL), and maximum uplink (max UL) scenarios within urban and rural settings.
Main Results:
- RF-EMF power levels were lowest in non-user scenarios, increasing significantly in max DL and max UL scenarios.
- The highest median a-UL power was recorded in The Netherlands (18.68 dBm), and the lowest in the UK (4.77 dBm).
- Cities exhibited lower power levels (2.72 dB lower) compared to villages, and outdoor areas showed the lowest a-UL power.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully compared RF-EMF power levels across various geographical locations and usage conditions.
- Findings are crucial for future epidemiological studies investigating the health effects of RF-EMF exposure.
- The developed sensor provides a valuable tool for accessible and widespread RF-EMF exposure assessment.
