5G RF EMF Spectral Exposure Assessment in Four European Countries

Abstract

Category: Environmental Health, Exposure Assessment Tags: 5G, RF EMF, exposure assessment, power density, Europe, urban vs rural, public health DOI: 10.1002/bem.70019 URL: onlinelibrary.wiley.com Overview This study assesses exposure to 5G radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) across four European countries using spot measurements conducted indoors and outdoors in public spaces and educational institutions, spanning urban and rural environments. A total of 146 measurements were performed in 2023 in Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland. Key Details - At 34.9% of measurement locations, a 5G connection to 3.6 GHz was established. - Average and maximum cumulative incident power densities (Savg, Smax) were determined for both background (No UE) and worst-case (Max DL) exposure. - Measurements included 3.6 GHz 5G-specific Savg,5G and Smax,5G incident power density. - The highest Smax for No UE was 17.6 mW/m2; for Max DL, it was 23.3 mW/m2. - The highest Smax,5G measured was 10.4 mW/m2, 3.2% of the frequency-specific ICNIRP guideline. - Incident power density in rural areas was significantly lower than urban areas (-4.8 to -10.4 dB). - Average incident power density under Line-of-Sight (LOS) conditions was 2.3 mW/m2, and 0.9 mW/m2 under Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS). Findings - All measured RF EMF exposure levels were well within current ICNIRP guidelines. - There was no significant difference in RF EMF power density around educational institutions compared to public places, across different city sizes. - Comparison across the four countries showed consistent patterns for exposure, with additional precautionary regulatory limits in Belgium and Switzerland. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive comparison of downlink RF EMF exposure from mobile telecommunications base stations in terms of spectral power density in Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland. All measurements remained well below international exposure guideline limits, though continuous reassessment is recommended as 5G coverage expands. It is important to note that exposure to electromagnetic fields, including 5G, continues to be evaluated for potential health risks, and monitoring remains vital for public safety. Future work will increase measurement frequency and further integrate assessment methods for a better understanding of RF EMF exposure trends as the rollout of 5G continues. This is relevant since scientific research consistently investigates links between EMF exposure and health outcomes. For open access, see: Full study link

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Across 146 spot measurements in Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland (indoors/outdoors; urban/rural; public spaces and educational institutions), all measured RF EMF incident power densities were well within ICNIRP guidelines. The highest Smax,5G was 10.4 mW/m2 (reported as 3.2% of the frequency-specific ICNIRP guideline); rural areas had significantly lower incident power density than urban areas (-4.8 to -10.4 dB), and no significant differences were found around educational institutions versus public places.

Outcomes measured

• Incident power density (Savg, Smax) cumulative
• 5G-specific incident power density (Savg,5G; Smax,5G) at 3.6 GHz
• Urban vs rural differences in incident power density
• LOS vs NLOS incident power density
• Comparison: educational institutions vs public places

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.72)
  Exposure levels are explicitly compared to ICNIRP guideline limits.
• school-wi-fi (0.35)
  Includes measurements around educational institutions (though focused on mobile network downlink, not Wi‑Fi).

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile telecommunications base stations (downlink); 5G connection at 3.6 GHz",
        "frequency_mhz": 3600,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "spot measurements (2023)"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": 146,
    "outcomes": [
        "Incident power density (Savg, Smax) cumulative",
        "5G-specific incident power density (Savg,5G; Smax,5G) at 3.6 GHz",
        "Urban vs rural differences in incident power density",
        "LOS vs NLOS incident power density",
        "Comparison: educational institutions vs public places"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Across 146 spot measurements in Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, and Poland (indoors/outdoors; urban/rural; public spaces and educational institutions), all measured RF EMF incident power densities were well within ICNIRP guidelines. The highest Smax,5G was 10.4 mW/m2 (reported as 3.2% of the frequency-specific ICNIRP guideline); rural areas had significantly lower incident power density than urban areas (-4.8 to -10.4 dB), and no significant differences were found around educational institutions versus public places.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "5G",
        "RF EMF",
        "exposure assessment",
        "incident power density",
        "spectral exposure",
        "3.6 GHz",
        "Europe",
        "urban",
        "rural",
        "educational institutions",
        "ICNIRP",
        "downlink",
        "base stations",
        "LOS",
        "NLOS"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.7199999999999999733546474089962430298328399658203125,
            "reason": "Exposure levels are explicitly compared to ICNIRP guideline limits."
        },
        {
            "slug": "school-wi-fi",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Includes measurements around educational institutions (though focused on mobile network downlink, not Wi‑Fi)."
        }
    ]
}

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