Comparison Between Broadband and Personal Exposimeter Measurements for EMF Exposure Map Development Using Evolutionary Programming

Authors: Nájera A, Sánchez-Montero R, González-Rubio J, Guillén-Pina J, Chocano-del-Cerro R, López-Espí P-L

Year: 2025

Category: Environmental Health Physics

Journal: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app15137471

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7471

Abstract

Overview

This study provides a detailed comparison of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure level maps using two measurement methodologies: a broadband meter (NARDA EMR-300, 100 kHz–3 GHz) and a Personal Exposimeter (Satimo EME Spy 140, 88 MHz–5.8 GHz). The primary aim is to determine necessary corrections to personal exposimeter measurements to achieve equivalence with broadband meter exposure maps.

Findings

  • Analyzed datasets from both methods, exploring single and double correction factors, especially in relation to line of sight (LOS) to base stations.
  • Reduction of error between devices was a focus for improving the equivalence of measurements.
  • A genetic algorithm further optimized the proportionality factors depending on LOS versus non-line of sight (NLOS) scenarios, and spatial exposure maps were generated using kriging interpolation.

Conclusions

  • Spot measurements with either device can serve as practical proxies for assessing personal RF-EMF exposure.
  • Application of LOS/NLOS-specific correction factors considerably improves PEM measurement accuracy, addressing underestimation in LOS situations due to body shielding effects.
  • Genetic algorithms add precision and enable more reliable urban RF-EMF exposure mapping, making large-scale studies using PEMs both feasible and cost-effective.
  • Further validation is necessary in different environments to enhance these correction models, with suggestions for future refinements involving urban infrastructure and signal interference factors.

Conclusion: This methodology represents a significant advancement for EMF exposure assessment, supporting scalable and flexible generation of consistent EMF exposure maps crucial for public safety and ongoing EMF risk evaluation.

EMF exposure radiofrequency personal exposimeter broadband meter exposure maps evolutionary programming genetic algorithm
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