Spatial and temporal variability of personal exposure to RF EMF in children in Europe

Abstract

Overview

This study provides valuable insights into the personal RF-EMF exposure levels among children across various regions of Europe and examines the repeatability of these exposures over time.

Background/Aim

• The aim was to describe personal environmental exposure levels to RF-EMF from both handheld devices and fixed site transmitters in European children.
• Focus was also on the day-to-day and year-to-year repeatability of these exposures.

Methods

Environmental RF-EMF exposure was quantified in micro-Watts per square meter (µW/m²), through measurements taken from 529 children between ages 8-18 in various countries using personal portable exposure meters.

Findings

• Median Total Exposure: 75.5 µW/m².
• Largest Contributors: Downlink (27.2 µW/m²) followed by broadcast sources (9.9 µW/m²).
• Variability: Exposure was generally higher during the day and on weekends, and varied significantly with the child's location (e.g., travelling, outdoor) and urbanicity of home.
• Associations: Increased use of mobile phones was associated with higher uplink exposure in children.
• Repeatability: High year-to-year repeatability was observed for the total exposure and specific sources like downlink and broadcast.

Conclusion

Downlink and broadcast were consistently the largest contributors to overall RF-EMF exposure in children across Europe. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and analysis of RF-EMF exposure, especially as technological and behavioral patterns evolve.