High Radiofrequency Radiation in the Surroundings of 10 Schools in Örebro, Sweden

Abstract

Overview

In Sweden and many other countries, the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication networks since 2019/2020 has resulted in increased environmental exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects of RF radiation.

Sources of Exposure

• RF exposure in schools comes from Wi-Fi routers, mobile phones, and computers.
• External sources, such as nearby mobile phone base stations, also contribute significantly.

Study Methods

This study measured outdoor RF radiation from 4G and 5G base stations near 10 schools in Örebro, Sweden in October 2024.

Findings

• Maximum RF radiation levels ranged from 10,716 to 68,452 μW/m², vastly exceeding the EUROPAEM EMF guidelines (10–1,000 μW/m² for daytime, 1–100 μW/m² for nighttime, and 0.1–10 μW/m² for sensitive individuals).
• The Narda broadband field meter NBM-550 (with EF-1891 probe, frequency range 3 MHz–18 GHz) was used, capable of measuring 0.6 V/m (955 μW/m²) to 65 V/m (11,206,897 μW/m²).
• At two sampling locations, the Safe and Sound meter showed maximum peaks of 749,000 μW/m² and 504,000 μW/m², while the Narda RMS maximums were 137,889 μW/m² and 88,616 μW/m², respectively.

Conclusion

The environmental RF radiation levels found in the vicinity of these Swedish schools are far above the recommended EMF safety guidelines and highlight a significant EMF health risk, particularly to children and sensitive groups. It is important to recognize that such exposures have documented connections to negative health outcomes, and steps should be taken to reduce EMF exposure in these environments.