Temporal 2G-5G RF-EMF exposure assessment in ten European countries during one year

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Electromagnetic Field Exposure
• Telecommunications Engineering

Background:

• Increasing mobile network densification necessitates long-term environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure assessment.
• Existing RF-EMF studies often lack comprehensive temporal variability analysis across multiple frequency bands and countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a multi-country sensor network for collecting long-term RF-EMF exposure data, including 5G.
• To investigate temporal trends and patterns in RF-EMF exposure across different European locations.

Main Methods:

• Deployed twenty frequency-selective sensors in ten European countries for continuous E-field strength measurements.
• Measured RF-EMF in four mobile communication bands (806 MHz, 942 MHz, 1842 MHz, 3625 MHz) over 17 months.
• Analyzed data for exposure levels, temporal patterns, and variability using calibrated measurements.

Main Results:

• Observed strong, recurring diurnal patterns in RF-EMF across all measured frequency bands.
• Noted significant day-night contrasts, with nighttime values decreasing by up to 48.4% (1842 MHz band).
• Found substantial temporal variability, particularly in higher frequency bands (median R-factor of 0.45 for 3625 MHz).

Conclusions:

• Long-term RF-EMF monitoring at fixed sites can reveal significant temporal exposure patterns.
• This pilot study provides a foundation for extensive, multi-country exposure monitoring networks.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering temporal dynamics in RF-EMF exposure assessments.