Long-term Electromagnetic Field Measurement and Assessment for a Shopping Mall

Authors: Engiz BK, Kurnaz C

Year: 2016 Nov 24

Category: Radiation Protection

Journal: Radiat Prot Dosimetry

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27885087

Abstract

Overview

The study focuses on the dense deployment of wireless devices and base stations in shopping centers, where the evaluation of electromagnetic (EM) exposure is crucial for human health. Measurements were carried out in one of Turkey's largest shopping malls.

Findings

  • Broadband electric field strength (E) measurements were conducted using a PMM 8053 EM field strength meter, continuously for a week.
  • Frequency selective measurements were done with an SRM-3006 meter.
  • The average measured E ranged up to 0.59 V/m, and the max reached 7.88 V/m, both below the safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
  • Analyses showed that:
    • 71.3% of total E was due to UMTS2100, 16.3% by GSM900, 6.2% by LTE, 3.5% by Wi-Fi, and 2.7% by other devices.

Conclusion

The results suggest significant variability in EM levels depending on the time of the day and are not normally distributed, indicating that they differ statistically across different days. Modeling the distribution of E levels revealed the best fit with a non-parametric approach.

electromagnetic fields health risks wireless devices shopping mall electric field strength EMF measurement statistical analysis
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