Radiofrequency radiation from nearby mobile phone base stations-a case comparison of one low and one high exposure apartment

Abstract

Overview

Radiofrequency (RF) radiation within the 30-300 GHz range has been classified since 2011 as a 'possible' human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO, based on human epidemiology studies links to increased risks for glioma and acoustic neuroma.

Findings

• Evidence on RF radiation's role in carcinogenesis has grown through new human and animal studies.
• In Stockholm, Sweden, certain areas exhibit high RF radiation levels, one being an apartment heavily exposed from nearby base station emissions.
• Indoor and outdoor RF radiation measurements were conducted, indicating maximum exposure levels of 3 V m-1 inside and 6 V m-1 outside in the high exposure apartment. Conversely, a low exposure apartment had maximum indoor levels of 0.52 V m-1 and outdoor levels of 0.75 V m-1.
• The study demonstrates the significant impact of indoor architecture in shielding against RF radiation, with minimum measured fields as low as 0.10 V m-1 in areas well-insulated by building structures.

Conclusion

The argument that good mobile phone reception justifies the installation of base stations in potential high exposure locations like residential apartments is fundamentally flawed, as shown by the equal reception capabilities assessed in both high and low exposure apartments.