Auto-induced uplink 4G and 5G RF-EMF exposure assessment using a network monitoring application in different microenvironments across seven European countries

Authors: Stroobandt B, Van Bladel H, Veludo AF, Deprez K, Aerts S, Verloock L, Thuróczy G, Politanski P, Polanska K, Tognola G, Parazzini M, Wiart J, Guxens M, Röösli M, Joseph W

Year: 2025

Category: Environmental Health/Epidemiology

Journal: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.121029

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935125002804

Abstract

Overview

The auto-induced uplink (a-UL) radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF), which is often the dominant component of total RF-EMF exposure, has historically been excluded from most microenvironmental assessments. With the advent of 5G and growing mobile phone usage, understanding typical transmit power levels is increasingly vital for accurate personal exposure evaluation.

Novel Methodology

  • Introduced a network monitoring application, QualiPoc, to measure both 4G and 5G a-UL RF-EMF exposure.
  • Simultaneous assessments were conducted for the first time in a large-scale European study.

Study Design

  • Measurements covered 282 different microenvironments—including parks and residential areas—across seven European countries.
  • Maximum uplink usage scenarios were implemented to quantify exposures.

Findings

  • The Netherlands exhibited the highest average transmit powers per microenvironment (median: 20.6 dBm).
  • Transmit powers were found to be 0.6 to 2.1 dB higher in villages compared to big cities.
  • Base station density emerged as a key predictor of a-UL exposure.
  • Average transmit powers for 5G were about 3.3 dB lower than for 4G.
  • Lowest transmit powers were noted on frequency bands utilizing a time division duplexing (TDD) scheme, attributed to uplink duty cycles below 20%.

Conclusion

This study delivers essential new measurement data for epidemiologists and policy makers, providing a better scientific understanding of personal exposure from the a-UL component of RF-EMF. Elevated RF-EMF exposures, especially in areas with lower base station density, emphasize the need to account for these patterns when assessing public health risks associated with electromagnetic fields.

RF-EMF 4G 5G exposure assessment auto-induced uplink microenvironments Europe
← Back to Stats