Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Exposure on European Roads: A Comprehensive In Situ Measurement Campaign

Abstract

Overview

The rapid advancement of wireless communication technologies, particularly 5G networks, has significantly increased the connection between objects and people but also raised concerns about the potential health impacts from EMFs emitted by base station antennas.

Findings

This study concentrated on measuring EMF exposure in car cabins during travel across several European countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and the Republic of Serbia). With over 1900 km covered, it notably included roads like the E60, E61, E65, E70, E75, and E80.

• The highest median total electric field was recorded in Austria (0.28-0.31 V/m, peaking at 17.4 V/m on the Vienna Ring Road).
• Other notable values from different locations included Slovenia and cities like Zagreb, Bologne, Padoue, Ljubljana, and Beograd with measurements up to 14.59 V/m.

Conclusion

This research provides comprehensive EMF measurement results in car cabins on various European roads, identifying risk locations and contributing significantly to ongoing discussions about EMF exposure risks in vehicular environments. It underlines that the exposure levels were below ICNIRP reference levels but stresses the value of continued monitoring and investigation.