Large-area mobile measurement of outdoor exposure to radio frequencies

Authors: Paniagua-Sánchez JM, García-Cobos FJ, Rufo-Pérez M, Jiménez-Barco A

Year: 2023 Mar 15

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Sci Total Environ

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162852

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723014687

Abstract

Overview

This study introduces a rapid mobile technique for measuring human exposure to radio frequencies in urban settings, tested in a city of 96,000 inhabitants.

Methodology

  • Measurements were taken inside a vehicle equipped with a personal exposure meter.
  • Corrections were made to account for vehicle structure interference with radio frequencies.
  • Approximately 3065 measurement points involving FM radio and mobile phone frequencies.

Findings

  • Vehicle structure resulted in increased FM broadcast readings by a factor of 1.66 but reduced mobile telephony readings by 0.54–0.66.
  • Average detected levels ranged from 0.057 to 0.231 V/m over various frequency bands.
  • Thermal effect exposure quotients calculated showing potential health risks due to varied exposure levels.
  • Spatial maps combined with aerial photographs to pinpoint high exposure areas across the city.

Conclusion

This mobile measurement technique proves effective for scalable application in different city sizes, enabling temporal analysis of radio frequency levels. The technique highlights considerable public health implications concerning urban radiation exposure.

radio frequency electromagnetic fields environmental monitoring health risk mobile measurement urban exposure radio spectrum
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