RF-EMF exposure in the transition to 5G: A multi-dimensional measurement campaign in the Peloponnese Region of Greece.

Abstract

5G is currently under development in Greece, with operators adopting different strategies and rollout schedules. Meanwhile, 4G has reached a highly mature stage, supporting the initial deployment of 5G through NSA (Non-Standalone) architecture. Cellular service is provided by a combination of systems: the legacy 2G system operational mainly in rural areas, the advanced 4G, and the emerging 5G systems, 3G was phased out in 2023. This transitional phase renders the cellular landscape both dynamic and region-specific. Recurrent, large-scale measurement campaigns are essential to effectively track networks development. This study presents findings from a year-long EMF measurement campaign (July 2023-June 2024) in the Peloponnese Region of Greece. Using frequency-selective equipment, the campaign combined spatially distributed short-term ground measurements with long-term monitoring at fixed locations. Data was analyzed by service type (e.g. cellular, WiFi), cellular system (2G/3G/4G/5G), and network operator. All measured electric field values remained well below the stringent Greek safety limits; the highest ground-level measurement was approximately 18 times lower than the limit. The 900 MHz band was identified as the dominant contributor to EMF exposure, followed by the 1800 MHz band used by 4G and 2G networks. 4G contributed the most (53%), while 5G impact was only 3%, reflecting its early stage of deployment in the region. Long-term monitoring revealed peak exposure between 15:00 and 21:00, coinciding with increased network usage. The findings provide reassurance regarding public safety, highlight the value of combining spatial and temporal analysis, and offer baseline data for future studies as 5G networks continue to expand.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a year-long frequency-selective measurement campaign in the Peloponnese Region of Greece, all measured electric field values were well below Greek safety limits; the highest ground-level measurement was about 18 times lower than the limit. The 900 MHz band was the dominant contributor, followed by 1800 MHz; 4G contributed most to exposure (53%) while 5G contributed 3%, consistent with early deployment. Long-term monitoring showed peak exposure between 15:00 and 21:00.

Outcomes measured

• Electric field (E-field) levels by service type (e.g., cellular, WiFi)
• E-field levels by cellular system (2G/3G/4G/5G)
• E-field levels by frequency band (e.g., 900 MHz, 1800 MHz)
• Temporal variation in exposure (time-of-day peaks)
• Comparison of measured E-field values to Greek safety limits

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.62)
  Study measures RF-EMF exposure during transition to 5G and reports 5G contribution to overall exposure.

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "cellular network and WiFi",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Year-long campaign (July 2023–June 2024) with short-term ground measurements and long-term fixed-location monitoring"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Electric field (E-field) levels by service type (e.g., cellular, WiFi)",
        "E-field levels by cellular system (2G/3G/4G/5G)",
        "E-field levels by frequency band (e.g., 900 MHz, 1800 MHz)",
        "Temporal variation in exposure (time-of-day peaks)",
        "Comparison of measured E-field values to Greek safety limits"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a year-long frequency-selective measurement campaign in the Peloponnese Region of Greece, all measured electric field values were well below Greek safety limits; the highest ground-level measurement was about 18 times lower than the limit. The 900 MHz band was the dominant contributor, followed by 1800 MHz; 4G contributed most to exposure (53%) while 5G contributed 3%, consistent with early deployment. Long-term monitoring showed peak exposure between 15:00 and 21:00.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF-EMF",
        "5G",
        "4G",
        "2G",
        "WiFi",
        "frequency-selective measurements",
        "electric field",
        "long-term monitoring",
        "ground measurements",
        "Greece",
        "Peloponnese",
        "NSA (Non-Standalone)",
        "exposure assessment",
        "safety limits"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.61999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Study measures RF-EMF exposure during transition to 5G and reports 5G contribution to overall exposure."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.