Assessing radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure in multiple microenvironments across ten European countries with a focus on 5G
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To evaluate the implementation of 5G in Europe, we have systematically measured environmental, auto-induced downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in more than 800 microenvironments in ten European countries. Outdoor, indoor, and public transport microenvironments were measured in two cities and three villages in each country. Exposure was measured during three mobile-phone user scenarios: flight mode (non-user), inducing maximum DL traffic (max DL) or maximum UL traffic (max UL). The mobile phone was carried in a backpack, placed 30 cm from an ExpoM-RF 4 that continuously measured 35 frequency bands (87.5 MHz–6 GHz). For each user scenario, mean exposure levels were calculated. In the non-user scenario, mean exposure levels ranged from 0.33 to 1.72 mW/m 2 per country and were lower in Switzerland, Belgium and Italy. RF-EMF levels were, on average, 80 % lower in villages compared to cities, with DL bands contributing the most in this scenario. During max DL, exposure increased mainly due to the 5G band at 3.5 GHz (mean exposure per country 2.61–11.12 mW/m 2 ). However, the time-division nature of this band prevents distinguishing between DL and UL signals with the ExpoM-RF 4. Exposure levels were the highest during max UL, particularly in the Netherlands, Italy and Belgium, with 50 % of the mean levels per country above 16 mW/m 2 . Exposure was, on average, 35 % higher in villages compared to cities. Environmental exposure levels were below international guideline values. Countries with precautionary limits had lower environmental exposure levels but higher auto-induced uplink exposure during data upload.
Source: Environment International
Authors: Adriana Fernandes Veludo, Bram Stroobandt, Han Van Bladel, Nekane Sandoval-Diez, Kenneth Deprez, Sam Aerts, Wassim Ben Chikha, Joe Wiart, Zsuzsanna Vecsei, Péter Pál Necz, György Thuróczy, Martina Benini, Marta Bonato, Silvia Gallucci, Gabriella Tognola, Marta Parazzini, Lea Beláčková, Nina Vaupotič, Pawel Mamrot, Magda Marianska, Piotr Politanski, Kinga Polanska, Matthew Stamets, Patricia de Llobet, Gemma Castaño-Vinyals, Mònica Guxens, Paige M. Hulls, Frank de Vocht, Wout Joseph, Martin Röösli
Institutions: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Ghent University, IMEC, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Télécom Paris, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Utrecht University, University of Vienna, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Erasmus MC, University of Bristol, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West
Language: English
Subfield: Biophysics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,750
OpenAlex ID: W4410540405