Abstract

Overview

Personal exposure to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMFs) was studied using personal measurements in five different microenvironments in each of five cities (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Hasselt) in Flanders, Belgium. Measurements were carried out by two researchers using on-body calibrated personal exposimeters.

Findings

• The highest mean total exposure was noted in Brussels, the most densely populated of the studied cities, with a measurement of 2.63 mW/m2.
• In Antwerp, despite a lower population density compared to Brussels, higher downlink exposure was measured, hinting at potential legislative impacts on base stations.
• Measurements revealed that the methodology used is repeatable over time and representational for the microenvironments studied.
• Calibrations of the on-body measurement devices revealed significant underestimations of RF-EMF intensity, with median underestimations up to 68% across frequency bands.

Conclusion

The study renders crucial insights into the variability of RF-EMF exposure in urban settings and outlines the substantial impact of population density and legislative measures on these levels. Furthermore, the findings recommend cautious interpretation of exposure levels from standard measurement devices and underscore the importance of device calibration.