The determinants of legislation for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) with the onset of 5G: An empirical analysis

Abstract

Overview

The unprecedented exposure of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) to humans from mobile communications raises serious public concern about the possibility of unexpected adverse health effects and has stimulated authorities to adopt precautionary exposure limits. These limits are distinctly different across countries, and the causes of these differences are unclear from the literature.

Study Approach

This article presents the first empirical analysis on the determinants of RF-EMF exposure legislation, utilizing a novel cross-sectional database comprising 164 countries worldwide.

Findings

• Decentralization and mobile competition in countries with low mobile network deployment promote more stringent RF-EMF exposure limits.
• In more decentralized countries, regions had greater influence on national legislation, accommodating local demands with mobile technology in the 2000s.
• Conversely, in countries with high levels of mobile network deployment, decentralization and mobile competition tend to relax RF-EMF exposure limits—especially in the sample of 61 countries with fifth-generation (5G) technology.
• Restrictive RF-EMF exposure limits are documented as a constraint on 5G rollout, in light of widespread mobile broadband adoption.

Conclusion & Implications

Results may be valuable to policymakers and mobile operators anticipating legislative outcomes in countries yet to introduce 5G technology. Additionally, these findings are pertinent for reviewing strategies for emerging 6G technology, which operates at increasingly higher frequencies where health effects are less well understood. This analysis highlights the importance of stringent regulation due to mounting concerns over possible adverse human health effects from RF-EMF exposure.