A novel approach for assessments of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure in buildings near telecommunication infrastructure

Authors: de F H Silva RQ, Rodrigues MEC, Pinheiro FSR, da Silva GS, da C Muniz M, Pinto LS, Mendonça HB, de Sousa VA Jr.

Year: 2025 Jun 25

Category: Environmental Health, Electromagnetic Field Assessment

Journal: Science of the Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179853

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40570395/

Abstract

Overview

This paper introduces a novel methodology to improve the evaluation of exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) in buildings located near telecommunication Base Station (BS) antennas. The key innovation lies in refining the selection of measurement points within affected buildings, ensuring the results more accurately reflect real exposure scenarios.

Key Contributions

  • Determines the worst-case exposure in buildings directly exposed to RF-EMF.
  • Enables large-scale assessments by optimizing the selection of measurement locations.
  • Applies criteria based on the proximity and spatial configuration of BS and antenna setups.
  • Evaluates vertical (multi-storey) dwellings within an urban setting.
  • Presents unprecedented discussions on recommendations for RF-EMF exposure in modern buildings, addressing both guideline improvements and public health considerations.

Findings

The approach was implemented in four buildings in Natal, Brazil. The results show that electric field intensity peaks were up to 17.40 times higher, and averages were up to 14.13 times higher than values measured at ground level (such as those by ANATEL). Notably, the highest indoor exposure rates reached 82.27% (FM radio) and 59.43% (mobile telephony) of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommended limits.

This work reveals that, although measured exposures are technically below ICNIRP safety limits, levels in specific building interiors are dramatically higher than at ground level and are inconsistent with current regulatory exposure evaluation methods. This shows a clear connection between proximity to telecommunications infrastructure and increased human exposure to RF-EMF, which could contribute to potential health risks, especially in urban settings with dense antenna deployment.

Conclusion

The newly proposed methodology provides a more precise and representative assessment of RF-EMF exposure indoors, emphasizing the importance of tailored regulatory guidelines that reflect real urban exposure scenarios. Enhanced assessment precision will support public health protection, particularly for residents living near telecommunication antennas.

Suggestions for future work include scaling measurements to all 22 target buildings in Natal and collaborating with institutions in other regions to broaden the evidence base, address health risk reproducibility, and further inform RF-EMF public safety policies.

RF-EMF exposure base station antennas indoor measurement building exposure ICNIRP limits telecommunication infrastructure health risk
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