Micro-environmental personal radio-frequency electromagnetic field exposures in Melbourne: A longitudinal trend analysis

Authors: Bhatt CR, Henderson S, Sanagou M, Brzozek C, Thielens A, Benke G, Loughran S

Year: 2024 Mar 13

Category: Environmental Health, Epidemiology

Journal: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118629

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935124005334

Abstract

Overview

A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the longitudinal assessment of personal radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures worldwide. The introduction and evolution of telecommunication technologies have led to questions about how these changes affect individual RF-EMF exposure. This study aims to evaluate the longitudinal trends of micro-environmental personal RF-EMF exposures specifically in Australia.

Methods

Baseline (2015-16) and follow-up (2022) data were collected on personal RF-EMF exposure covering the frequency range 88 MHz–6 GHz.
The sampling took place across 18 distinct micro-environments in Melbourne.
Simultaneous quantile regression analysis was used to compare exposure data distribution at multiple percentiles, including median (P50), upper extreme (P99), and overall exposure trends.
Exposures were compared across six source types: mobile downlink, mobile uplink, broadcast, 5G-New Radio, Others, and Total exposure.
Frequency-specific and group-specific micro-environment exposures were assessed at both time points.

Findings

Overall, total (median and P99) exposure levels did not show a significant change at the 2022 follow-up.
Despite stable median and P99 values, the overall trend in total RF-EMF exposure increased at follow-up.
Mobile downlink was found to contribute the highest exposure among all sources, with both its median exposure and overall exposure trend increasing over time.
Out of seven micro-environment types, five displayed increased total exposure levels (median and P99) and overall exposure trend at the follow-up point.

Conclusion

The data reveal that, while some specific exposure metrics remained unchanged, several micro-environments experienced increased overall RF-EMF exposure trends over time, especially driven by mobile downlink sources. There is a demonstrated link between evolving telecommunication technology and rising RF-EMF exposure trends, supporting the need for ongoing public health surveillance and risk assessment regarding EMF exposure and its potential health effects.

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