Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This research investigates the dynamic nature of environmental radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) influenced by the constant changes in the environment and telecommunications networks. The study focuses on how these factors affect EMF exposure in urban settings over time.

Findings

• A year-long collection of data from a low-cost exposimeter network deployed in an urban area.
• Development of a groundbreaking spatio-temporal surrogate model to analyze the outdoor exposure to RF signals from GSM and UMTS networks.
• No consistent global trend observed over the measurement period, with exposure differences potentially reaching up to 42dB at different times.
• Significant improvements (up to 50%) in model accuracy by considering daily and hourly variations in RF signal strength.

Conclusion

While the model offers a novel approach to estimate EMF exposure, the results are specific to the studied urban environment, and additional research is necessary to determine if these findings are applicable in other geographic settings.