Systematic Review of Exposure Studies to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Spot Measurements

Abstract

Systematic Review of Exposure Studies to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Spot Measurements and Mixed Methodologies Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Arribas E, Vandenbosch GAE. Systematic Review of Exposure Studies to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Spot Measurements and Mixed Methodologies. Applied Sciences. 2024; 14(23):11161. doi.org Abstract This work presents a review and evaluation of studies measuring exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF). The review meets the basic quality criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines after the eligibility criteria of the PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome) methodology and the instrument Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español (CASPe). A total of 86 papers published between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2023 are included: 61 studies with spot measurements and 25 studies with mixed methodologies (spot measurements, personal measurements with volunteers or with a trained researcher and prediction models) are highlighted. Forty-three percent of the studies use Spectrum Analyzers in the spot measurements, mainly the Narda SRM–3006, followed by the Narda SRM-3000, highlighting the introduction and use of Sensors for this kind of study. The minimum mean value was measured in Palestine at 0.0600 μW/m2 , and the maximum mean value was measured in Norway at 200,000 μW/m2 . The RF-EMF exposure levels measured in the different microenvironments are minimal and far from the maximum levels established by the ICNIRP guidelines. Conclusions This study reviewed 86 scientific works on personal exposure to RF-EMF that conducted measurements through spot measurements and/or using different methods (mixed method) combining spot measurements, personal measurements with volunteers or with trained researchers, spatiotemporal exposure measurements and in some cases using model predictions. In addition to the exposure measurement studies, we want to refer to a study recently published by McKenzie [143] in which electromagnetic fields produced by “smart” devices used daily in a modern “smart” home are measured. It is interesting to see the activity of these EMFs in different periods of time while they are used. This study has not been included in this review because although specific measures have been taken, exposure to these fields has not been measured. As far as we know, today, despite the different methodologies used, the results are comparable with international reference levels and comparable between microenvironments and countries; although it is true that some values are higher than others, they are still lower than these reference levels. The minimum average was measured in Palestine at 0.0600 μW/m2 in 2017, and the maximum average was measured in Norway at 200,000 μW/m2 in 2022, equivalent to 0.200 W/m2, far below the permitted international reference levels. During the development of this work, we have seen that the statistical data confirm that the exposure levels to RF-EMF are much lower than the maximum levels allowed in the ICNIRP guidelines, both for the general public scenario (10 W/m2) and for the occupational scenario (50 W/m2). However, these values can change over time, considering the new 5G technologies introduced everywhere right at this moment, so it is recommended to stay vigilant and continue expanding research in this field. As previously indicated, with this work, we want to help researchers scrutinize this field with a review that classifies, orders, and synthesizes, thus making a reference for future research and comparisons. We believe that in the future, some research areas may be prioritized in the field of radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure fields: exploring new measurement devices, such as the use of sensors that have already begun to be used to monitor RF-EMF [111], as well as carrying out longitudinal studies to evaluate possible long-term effects. We want to highlight that in this society in which we currently live, in which we are always immersed in a sea of electromagnetic waves, the importance of clear and effective communication of the possible risks associated with RF-EMF exposure, as well as the need to educate the public on how to minimize exposure in everyday environments. Open access paper: mdpi.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This systematic review included 86 RF-EMF exposure measurement papers (61 spot-measurement studies and 25 mixed-method studies). Reported mean exposure values ranged from 0.0600 W/m2 (Palestine) to 200,000 W/m2 (Norway; 0.200 W/m2). The review reports that measured RF-EMF exposure levels across microenvironments were minimal and far below ICNIRP guideline reference levels, while recommending continued monitoring as 5G technologies expand.

Outcomes measured

• RF-EMF exposure levels (spot measurements and mixed-method assessments)
• Comparison of measured exposure levels to ICNIRP reference levels
• Measurement instrumentation and methodologies used in exposure studies

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.78)
  The review repeatedly compares measured RF-EMF exposure levels to ICNIRP reference levels for public and occupational scenarios.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "Environmental and personal RF-EMF exposure across microenvironments (spot measurements and mixed methodologies)",
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        "duration": "Studies published 1998-01-01 to 2023-12-31"
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        "Sixty-one included studies used spot measurements and 25 used mixed methodologies combining spot, personal measurements, and/or models.",
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        "Reported mean exposure values ranged from 0.0600 \u0000W/m2 (Palestine) to 200,000 \u0000W/m2 (Norway; 0.200 W/m2).",
        "The authors report that measured RF-EMF exposure levels in microenvironments are minimal and far below ICNIRP guideline limits.",
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    "social": {
        "tweet": "Systematic review (86 studies, 1998\u001962023) of RF-EMF exposure measurements finds reported mean levels across microenvironments are far below ICNIRP reference limits, though authors recommend continued monitoring as 5G expands. DOI: 10.3390/app142311161",
        "facebook": "A 2024 systematic review of 86 RF-EMF exposure measurement studies (spot and mixed methods) reports that measured levels across microenvironments are generally far below ICNIRP guideline reference limits, while recommending ongoing monitoring as technologies like 5G expand. DOI: 10.3390/app142311161",
        "linkedin": "Applied Sciences (2024) systematic review of 86 RF-EMF exposure measurement studies (1998\u001962023) summarizes instruments/methods and reports measured exposure levels across microenvironments are far below ICNIRP reference limits, with a call for continued monitoring and improved measurement approaches. DOI: 10.3390/app142311161"
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