Assessment of RF EMF exposure from personal measurements considering the body shadowing effect in Korean children and parents

Authors: Choi J, Hwang JH, Lim H, Joo H, Yang HS, Lee YH, Eeftens M, Struchen B, Röösli M, Lee AK, Choi HD, Kwon JH, Ha M

Year: 2018 Jun 15

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Sci Total Environ

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.318

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30857115

Abstract

Overview

This study aimed to assess the personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure levels of children and adults in Korea. The focus was on the influence of body shadowing on exposure levels.

Methodology

  • Participants included 50 child-adult pairs from Seoul, Cheonan, and Ulsan.
  • Measurements were taken using a portable exposure meter designed for 14 Korean RF bands between 87.5 and 5875MHz.
  • Each participant carried the device for 48 hours and maintained a time-activity diary via smartphone apps.

Findings

  • The arithmetic and geometric mean exposure levels indicated significant exposure across different demographics.
  • Compensation for body shadowing effects showed an approximate 1.4-fold increase in total RF-EMF exposure.
  • Exposure was highest in Seoul and during metro travel.
  • Base-station exposure was the primary contributor to total RF-EMF levels, significantly higher than levels reported in Europe.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of considering body shadowing in accurate assessment of RF-EMF exposure, revealing that both children and adults in Korea are exposed to higher RF-EMF levels compared to European counterparts.

RF EMF exposure body shadowing effect children parents Korean personal measurements
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