Monitoring of the exposure to electromagnetic fields with autonomous probes installed outdoors in France

Abstract

Overview

This study utilizes a new temporal analysis of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, deploying autonomous broadband E-field monitoring probes across various French cities. The analysis merges probe data with frequency-selective in situ measurements by ANFR and considers the proximity of nearby base station antennas. This approach enables comprehensive statistical conclusions about public exposure to EMFs.

Findings

• Data collected reveal multiple periodic exposure patterns, including seasonality and variations between daytime and nighttime levels.
• Monitoring probes identified significant exposure differences between day and night for the first time in France, with ratios between 1.28 and 1.42 for probes recording the highest RMS levels.
• Daily working hour variability was quantified using more than 150 probes in diverse environments, showing most probes experienced a 30% fluctuation in exposure levels between 8 AM and 5 PM.

This study is the first to provide a national-level analysis of seasonal exposure variation in France. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasized that probe placement (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to base stations) drastically affects measured exposure. Many probes in low-density or non-line-of-sight areas recorded lower exposure. Some measured lower levels during summer, attributed to changes in population and telecommunication infrastructure usage in touristic cities. The PCA confirmed that the probe positioning and environment are critical factors in the observed data.

Conclusion

• This research confirms the existence of seasonal and daily variability in EMF exposure in urban French environments, a factor that must be accounted for in exposure assessment and risk analysis.
• The majority of exposure levels detected were still significantly below regulatory limits, yet fluctuations were notable and tied directly to urban telecommunication activity patterns and probe installation variables.
• These findings support the importance of continuous, location-sensitive EMF monitoring and underscore the connection between telecommunication infrastructure use and dynamic EMF exposure risks.