RF EMF exposures in kindergarten children

Abstract

Overview

The aim of this study was to assess environmental and personal radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures in kindergarten children. The research involved ten children and 20 kindergartens in Melbourne, Australia. Measurements were taken for personal and environmental RF-EMF exposures across 16 frequency bands between 88 MHz and 5.8 GHz.

Findings

• The highest sources of environmental RF-EMF exposure were identified as GSM 900 MHz downlink, UMTS 2100 MHz downlink, and GSM 900 MHz uplink.
• Similarly, the highest personal exposure sources recorded were GSM 900 MHz downlink, UMTS 2100 MHz downlink and GSM 900 MHz uplink, alongside GSM 1800 MHz downlink.
• Median environmental and personal exposures were calculated, with environmental levels consistently exceeding personal exposure levels at kindergartens.

Conclusion

This study provides strong evidence that mobile phone base stations are a significant contributor to RF-EMF exposure in kindergartens. The proximity to mobile phone base stations significantly affects environmental exposure levels, underlining the necessity for strategic location planning of kindergartens in relation to base stations to minimize children's exposure to RF-EMF.