Determinants of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by smartphones in French cellular telephony networks

Abstract

Smartphones are a major source of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure, yet real-life determinants of uplink emissions remain poorly characterised. We conducted the first epidemiological study of smartphone cellular network uplink emissions in a general population sample, recruiting 167 volunteers across three French cities in 2022-2023. Emissions were measured quasi-continuously for a week during everyday activities using the novel DEVIN exposimeter, while the XMobiSensePlus application simultaneously recorded sensor values and smartphone activities in the background. Determinants of UL emission occurrence and level were analysed using logistic and linear regressions. Over 8001 h analysed, voice calls were recorded in 2.4% of time and data uploads in 81.3%. Voice calls were associated to emission occurrence (OR = 7.09, 95% CI: 5.96-8.43). In fully adjusted models, emission levels were associated to calls (+9.16 dBm, CI: 7.15; 11.16), and to Wi-Fi connection with substantially lower cellular emissions outside call periods (-15.37 dBm, CI: -17.28, -13.46). Cellular upload rates differentially increased emissions depending on Wi-Fi connection, while received signal quality differentially reduced emissions depending on call status. Legacy technologies (2G, 3G) were associated with higher emissions than 4G. Results varied across centers. Smartphone brand, operator, and Android version showed no independent association with emitted power after System-on-Chip adjustment. These findings demonstrate that real-life smartphone radiofrequency electromagnetic cellular emissions are shaped by a complex interplay of usage patterns, network conditions, and device characteristics.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 8001 hours of measurements, voice calls occurred 2.4% of the time and data uploads 81.3%. Voice calls were associated with emission occurrence and higher emission levels, Wi-Fi connection was associated with substantially lower cellular emissions outside call periods, and legacy 2G/3G technologies were associated with higher emissions than 4G. Emissions were shaped by usage patterns, network conditions, and device characteristics, with results varying across centers.

Outcomes measured

• smartphone cellular network uplink emission occurrence
• smartphone cellular network uplink emission level
• determinants of uplink emissions

Limitations

• Results varied across centers
• Abstract does not report health outcomes
• Frequency and SAR values were not reported in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "smartphone cellular network uplink emissions",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "quasi-continuously for a week during everyday activities"
    },
    "population": "General population volunteers across three French cities in 2022-2023",
    "sample_size": 167,
    "outcomes": [
        "smartphone cellular network uplink emission occurrence",
        "smartphone cellular network uplink emission level",
        "determinants of uplink emissions"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In 8001 hours of measurements, voice calls occurred 2.4% of the time and data uploads 81.3%. Voice calls were associated with emission occurrence and higher emission levels, Wi-Fi connection was associated with substantially lower cellular emissions outside call periods, and legacy 2G/3G technologies were associated with higher emissions than 4G. Emissions were shaped by usage patterns, network conditions, and device characteristics, with results varying across centers.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Results varied across centers",
        "Abstract does not report health outcomes",
        "Frequency and SAR values were not reported in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.88000000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
        "smartphones",
        "cellular networks",
        "uplink emissions",
        "exposure assessment",
        "DEVIN exposimeter",
        "XMobiSensePlus",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "2G",
        "3G",
        "4G",
        "France"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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