Assessing RF EMF exposure in multiple microenvironments across ten European countries with a focus on 5G

Authors: Veludo AF, Stroobandt B, Van Bladel H, Sandoval-Diez N, Deprez K, Aerts S, de Vocht F, Joseph W, Röösli M

Year: 2025

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Environment International

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109540

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025002910

Abstract

Overview

This study systematically measures environmental, auto-induced downlink (DL), and uplink (UL) radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure across more than 800 microenvironments in ten European countries. The research focuses on the exposure linked to the implementation of 5G, with measurements taken in outdoor, indoor, and public transport environments across two cities and three villages per country.

Methodology

  • Three user scenarios were assessed: flight mode (non-user), induced maximum DL traffic (max DL), and induced maximum UL traffic (max UL).
  • RF-EMF exposure was measured using an ExpoM-RF 4, covering 35 frequency bands (87.5 MHz - 6 GHz).
  • The mobile phone was positioned 30 cm from the measurement device during all scenarios.

Findings

  • In the non-user scenario, mean exposure ranged from 0.33 to 1.72 mW/m2 per country, lower in Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.
  • RF-EMF levels were, on average, 80% lower in villages compared to cities.
  • Downlink (DL) bands contributed most to environmental exposure in non-user scenarios.
  • During max DL, exposure increased mainly due to the 5G 3.5 GHz band, with mean exposure per country between 2.61 and 11.12 mW/m2.
  • Max UL scenarios saw the highest exposure, with 50% of mean levels per country above 16 mW/m2, particularly high in the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium.
  • Villages experienced 35% higher exposure during max UL compared to cities.
  • Countries with precautionary limits had lower environmental exposure but higher auto-induced uplink exposure during data upload.

Conclusion

Environmental RF-EMF exposure in non-user scenarios aligns with previous European research and remains below international guideline values, showing little change since the introduction of 5G. Urban settings, due to a denser network, experience greater exposure, primarily from Mobile DL frequency bands. Countries like Switzerland, Italy, and Belgium, with precautionary limits, demonstrated generally lower environmental exposure. However, inducing traffic can substantially increase personal RF-EMF exposure, highlighting the importance of continued research, especially concerning the health impacts from frequent or high-level exposures, and as 5G deployment progresses.

Future research should track the evolution of environmental and auto-induced RF-EMF exposure, paying close attention to these changes as 5G technology expands across Europe.

radiofrequency electromagnetic fields 5G environmental exposure Europe public health uplink exposure precautionary limits
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