Abstract

Overview

This study conducts thorough radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) measurements in one of Turkey's largest provinces between 2016 and 2018. The study's key objective was to compare these measurements against international and national safety limits.

Findings

• Initial short-term measurements were conducted at 500 locations and then used to determine sites for long-term measurements.
• Introduction of 4G systems saw a doubling of RF-EMF levels.
• RF-EMF values were consistently below the prescribed safe limits by ICNIRP and ICTA.
• Significant findings include that daytime RF-EMF levels were 35.4% higher than nighttime, and 99.3% of RF-EMF in the city center was sourced from base stations.

Conclusion

The measurements reveal that while current RF-EMF levels are within safe limits, the increasing trends and contributions from new technologies like 4G (and potentially 5G) necessitate regular monitoring to ensure continued public safety.