1
|
Kljajic D, Djuric N, Skoric T, Djuric S. The exposure analysis of the long-term broadband EMF monitoring in the campus area of the University of Novi Sad. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024; 200:848-861. [PMID: 38836604 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Due to wide prevalence of electromagnetic field (EMF) sources in human surrounding, EMF-level measurements and corresponding exposure assessment have imposed as an important topic. With an intention to present an approach to the long-term exposure assessment in EMF RATEL network, this paper conveys a high-level statistical analysis of the high-frequency exposure data, acquired during the 5-y time period, for the case study of monitoring sensor installed in the area of the Novi Sad University campus. Time series of exposure values were averaged on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and their yearly comparison was performed. Results showed clear differences between the day and night hours, as well between working and weekend days. Regarding exposure values, averaged on the monthly basis, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 can be noticed. Finally, the highest obtained exposure values (electric field squared) were 22 times below the maximal allowable level, according to the Serbian legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dragan Kljajic
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nikola Djuric
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tamara Skoric
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snezana Djuric
- Institute BioSense, University of Novi Sad, Zorana Djindjica 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhen C, Zhang G, Wang S, Wang J, Fang Y, Shang P. Electromagnetic fields regulate iron metabolism in living organisms: A review of effects and mechanism. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 188:43-54. [PMID: 38447710 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The emergence, evolution, and spread of life on Earth have all occurred in the geomagnetic field, and its extensive biological effects on living organisms have been documented. The charged characteristics of metal ions in biological fluids determine that they are affected by electromagnetic field forces, thus affecting life activities. Iron metabolism, as one of the important metal metabolic pathways, keeps iron absorption and excretion in a relatively balanced state, and this process is precisely and completely controlled. It is worth paying attention to how the iron metabolism process of living organisms is changed when exposed to electromagnetic fields. In this paper, the processes of iron absorption, storage and excretion in animals (mammals, fish, arthropods), plants and microorganisms exposed to electromagnetic field were summarized in detail as far as possible, in order to discover the regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field. Studies and data on the effects of electromagnetic field exposure on iron metabolism in organisms show that exposure profiles vary widely across species and cell lines. This process involves a variety of factors, and the complexity of the results is not only related to the magnetic flux density/operating frequency/exposure time and the heterogeneity of the observed object. A systematic review of the biological regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field exposure will not only contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of its biological effects and mechanism, but also is necessary to improve human awareness of the health related risks of electromagnetic field exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Zhen
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, 518057, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environment Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Gejing Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, 518057, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environment Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Shenghang Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Longhua People's Hospital, Southern Medical University (Longhua People's Hospital), Shenzhen, 518109, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, 518057, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environment Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yanwen Fang
- Heye Health Technology Co., Ltd, Huzhou, 313300, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen, 518057, China; Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environment Biophysics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang X, Zhou G, Lin J, Qin T, Du J, Guo L, Lai P, Jing Y, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Ding G. Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3571. [PMID: 38347014 PMCID: PMC10861445 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53842-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development of 5G networks, the influence of the radiofrequency field (RF) generated from 5G communication equipment on human health is drawing increasing attention in public. The study aimed at assessing the effects of long-term exposure to 4.9 GHz (one of the working frequencies of 5G communication) RF field on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in adult male C57BL/6 mice. The animals were divided into Sham group and radiofrequency group (RF group). For RF group, the mice were whole body exposed to 4.9 GHz RF field for three weeks, 1 h/d, at average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2. After RF exposure, the mice fecal samples were collected to detect gut microorganisms and metabolites by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC-MS method, respectively. The results showed that intestinal microbial compositions were altered in RF group, as evidenced by reduced microbial diversity and changed microbial community distribution. Metabolomics profiling identified 258 significantly differentially abundant metabolites in RF group, 57 of which can be classified to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Besides, functional correlation analysis showed that changes in gut microbiota genera were significantly correlated with changes in fecal metabolites. In summary, the results suggested that altered gut microbiota and metabolic profile are associated with 4.9 GHz radiofrequency exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Guiqiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
- School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jiajin Lin
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Tongzhou Qin
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Junze Du
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Panpan Lai
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuntao Jing
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhaowen Zhang
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China.
| | - Guirong Ding
- Department of Radiation Protection Medicine, School of Military Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Suarez FL, Yepes SM, Escobar A. Assessment of the electromagnetic field exposure due to wireless communication technologies in two university campuses of medellin, Colombia. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20323. [PMID: 37809888 PMCID: PMC10560042 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) is considered an area of significant importance in the medical and scientific community. However, the availability of exposure data for indoor and outdoor locations in universities is limited and currently inconsiderate in Latin America. The aim of this work was to evaluate the electric field levels due to mobile telecommunication technologies and Wi-Fi to which students and faculty staff from two campuses of a higher education institution are exposed. Using a portable spectrum analyzer, we carried out 516 short-term measurements in the 800-3000 MHz frequency range at both indoor and outdoor locations. These locations were chosen to cover all areas of the assessed buildings. The electric field differences between floors and buildings are discussed. Finally, we compared the electric field levels with exposure limits. The highest electric field level measured was 13.97 V/m at the 850 MHz band. However, the average electric field values were below 2 V/m. The greatest contribution to the total electric field was due to sources using the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz bands (98%), while the contribution of the Wi-Fi network was low (1.0%). The results show that all the electric field levels measured were lower than the ICNIRP reference levels for radio-frequency exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio L. Suarez
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Faculty of Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano ITM, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Sara M. Yepes
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Faculty of Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano ITM, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Adolfo Escobar
- Advanced Materials and Energy Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano ITM, Medellin, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Moreno JJH, Martínez-Plaza A, Maffey S, Arribas E. Personal exposure from free Wi-Fi hotspots in downtown Mexico City. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:91216-91225. [PMID: 37474852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the Government of Mexico City implemented actions that allowed citizens to approach a free Wi-Fi hotspot, where more than 13000 points have been installed throughout the city. In this work, we present the results of the measurements of personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields carried out in Plaza de la Constitución, better known as Zócalo located in the center of Mexico City. The measurements were taken by one of the researchers while walking on a weekday morning and afternoon, in different microenvironments (on the street, on public transport: subway, at the Zócalo, and finally, at home). We also carry out spot measurements in the center of the Zócalo. Subsequently, we carried out a comparative analysis of the different microenvironments, through box plot and violin plot, and we elaborate georeferenced and interpolated maps with intensity levels through the Kriging method, using the Geographic Information System. The Kriging interpolation gives us a good visualization of the spatial distribution of RF-EMF exposure in the study area, showing the highest and lowest intensity levels. The mean values recorded at the measured points in the Zócalo were 326 μW/m2 in the 2.4- to 2.5-GHz Wi-Fi band and 2370 μW/m2 in the 5.15- to 5.85-GHz Wi-Fi band. In the case of the mean values recorded on the street, they were 119 μW/m2 in the 2.4- to 2.5-GHz frequency band and 31.8 μW/m2 in the 5.15- to 5.85-GHz frequency band, like the values recorded at home, 122 μW/m2 and 33.9 μW/m2, respectively. All values are well below the reference levels established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- ESAT-WaveCoRE, Department of Electrical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, Box 2444, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Escobar
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Juan José Hurtado Moreno
- Sección de Estudiantes de Posgrado e Investigación, UPIICSA-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Martínez-Plaza
- Mathematics Department, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | | | - Enrique Arribas
- Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Applied Physics Department, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Arribas E, Escobar I, Martinez-Plaza A, Ramirez-Vazquez R. Comment on Martin L. Pall "Millimeter (MM) wave and microwave frequency radiation produce deeply penetrating effects: the biology and the physics", Rev Environ Health, 2021. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:193-196. [PMID: 35142146 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this letter, we present some comments related to Pall's publication, in which Pall states that the electric field disappears after a few centimeters and that the magnetic field continues progressing within the studied material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Arribas
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Isabel Escobar
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Antonio Martinez-Plaza
- Mathematics Department, School of Industrial Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tyrakis C, Theodorou K, Kiouvrekis Y, Alexias A, Kappas C. Radiofrequency Exposure Levels in Greece. Bioelectromagnetics 2023; 44:17-25. [PMID: 36786436 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Medical Physics Department (Medical School, University of Thessaly) participated in a Greek National EMF research program (EDBM34) with the scope to measure and evaluate radiofrequency (RF) exposure (27-3000 MHz) in areas of sensitive land use. A thousand (1000) measurements were carried out at two "metropolitan locations" (Athens and Thessaloniki: 624 points) and several rest urban/rural locations (376 points). SRM 3006 spectrum analyzer manufactured by Narda Safety Test Solutions was used. The broadband mean electric field in metropolitan areas was 0.41 V/m, while in the rest of Greece was 0.36 V/m. In metropolitan areas, the predominant RF source was the TV and Radio FM signals (36.2% mean contribution to the total RF exposure level). In the rest areas, the predominant source was the systems of the meteorological and military/defensive service (31.1%). The mobile sector contributed 14.9% in metropolitan areas versus 12.2% in the rest of Greece. The predominant mobile source was 900 MHz in both cases (4.5% in metropolitan areas vs. 3.3% in the rest of Greece). The total exposure from all RF sources complied with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2020 safety guidelines [ICNIRP, 2020]. The maximum exposure level was 0.129% of the limit for the metropolitan areas vs. 0.110% for the rest of Greece. Nonremarkable differences between metropolitan areas' exposure and the rest of Greece. In most cases, new 5 G antennas will be added to the existing base stations. Thus, the total exposure may be increased, leading to higher safety distances. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charilaos Tyrakis
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kiki Theodorou
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Yiannis Kiouvrekis
- Department of Public and One Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Aris Alexias
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Constantin Kappas
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Vandenbosch GAE, Vargas F, Caceres-Monllor DA, Arribas E. Measurement studies of personal exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:114979. [PMID: 36460078 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The last 25 years have seen an increase in the number of radiofrequency sources with the global adoption of smartphones as primary connectivity devices. The objective of this work was to review and evaluate the measured studies of personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-RMF) and meet the basic quality criteria eligible for inclusion in this Review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, following the eligibility criteria of the PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome) methodology, and the instrument for critical reading Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español (CASPe). We systematically reviewed the works published between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2021, yielding 56 publications. Of the different types of studies in which personal exposure to RF-EMF has been measured with two measurement methodologies can be highlighted: Personal measurements with volunteers and Personal measurements with a trained researcher (touring a specific area, one or several microenvironments, an entire city, walking or in some means of transport). Personal exposimeters were used in 83% of the studies. The lowest mean was measured in Egypt with a value of 0.00100 μW/m2 (1.00 nW/m2) in 2007 and the highest mean was measured in Belgium with a value of 285000 μW/m2 (0.285 W/m2) in 2019. The results of our study confirm that RF-EMF exposure levels are well below the maximum levels established by the ICNIRP guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España S/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Isabel Escobar
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España S/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Guy A E Vandenbosch
- ESAT-WaveCoRE, Dep. of Electrical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, Box 2444, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Enrique Arribas
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España S/n, University Campus, 02071, Albacete, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Martinez-Plaza A, Arribas E. Comparison of personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields from Wi-Fi in a Spanish university over three years. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160008. [PMID: 36368387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work we present the personal exposure levels to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) from Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) 2.4 GHz and 5.85 GHz bands in a Spanish university, specifically, at the Faculty of Computer Science Engineering at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Albacete, Spain). We present results from three years, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in the same study place and points; and measurements carried out in 2022 inside a classroom and inside a professor's office, with the aim to compare the measurements and verify compliance with reference levels established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The minimum average was 0.0900 μW/m2 in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, in 2019, and the maximum average was 211 μW/m2 in the 5.85 GHz Wi-Fi in 2017, around the building. Comparing the measurements carried out inside the classroom with students and without students, we identified that the maximum value was 278 μW/m2 (classroom with students, in the 5.85 GHz Wi-Fi band) and the minimum value was 37.9 μW/m2 (classroom without students, in the 5.85 GHz Wi-Fi band). Finally, comparing the results of all the measurements (average values) inside the classroom and inside a professor's office, the maximum value was 205 μW/m2 (in the 5.85 GHz Wi-Fi band) inside the classroom with students, and the minimum value was 0.217 μW/m2 inside a professor's office (in the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band). These values in no case exceed the limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, 10 W/m2 for general public exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España s/n, University campus, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Isabel Escobar
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España s/n, University campus, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Antonio Martinez-Plaza
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Mathematics Department, School of Industrial Engineering, Avda. de España s/n, University campus, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Enrique Arribas
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Avda. de España s/n, University campus, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yamazaki K, Ikeda-Araki A, Miyashita C, Tamura N, Yoshikawa T, Hikage T, Omiya M, Mizuta M, Ikuyo M, Tobita K, Onishi T, Taki M, Watanabe S, Kishi R. Measurement of personal radio frequency exposure in Japan: The Hokkaido Study on the Environment and Children's health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114429. [PMID: 36174753 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The opportunities for exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) among children are increasing. Children's exposure to RF-EMF in Japan was recorded using a personal exposure meter (ExpoM-RF), and factors associated with the exposure examined. A total of 101 children, aged 10-15 years old, participated in the prospective birth cohort "Hokkaido study". RF-EMF data were recorded in the 700 MHz-5.8 GHz frequency range for 3 days. The recorded data were summarized into six groups of frequency bands: downlink from mobile phone base stations (DL), uplink from mobile phones to a base station (UL), Wireless Local Area Network (LAN), terrestrial digital TV broadcasting (digital TV), 2.5 GHz and 3.5 GHz Time Division Duplex (TDD), 1.9 GHz TDD, and total (the summation of power density in all measured frequency bands). A questionnaire was used to document the internet environment (at home) and mobile phone usage. Personal RF-EMF exposure in Japanese children was lower than that reported in studies in Europe. The DL signals from mobile phone base stations were the most significant contributors to total exposure, while Wireless LAN and digital TV were only higher at home. The urban residence was consistently associated with increases in the four groups of frequency bands (DL, UL, digital TV, and TDD). TDD level has several associations with mobile phone usage (calls using mobile phones, video viewing, text message service, and online game). The association between inattention/hyperactivity subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and higher Wireless LAN exposure at nighttime was also noted. Further studies with additional data will shed light on factors involved in RF-EMF exposure among Japanese children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Yamazaki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Atsuko Ikeda-Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 0600812, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Naomi Tamura
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Toshio Yoshikawa
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Takashi Hikage
- Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 0600814, Japan.
| | - Manabu Omiya
- Information Initiative Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 0600811, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Mizuta
- Information Initiative Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 0600811, Japan.
| | - Miwa Ikuyo
- Applied Electromagnetic Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 1840015, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Tobita
- Applied Electromagnetic Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 1840015, Japan.
| | - Teruo Onishi
- Applied Electromagnetic Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 1840015, Japan.
| | - Masao Taki
- Applied Electromagnetic Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 1840015, Japan.
| | - Soichi Watanabe
- Applied Electromagnetic Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 1840015, Japan.
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Comments on "Wi-Fi technology and human health impact: a brief review of current knowledge" published in the June 2022 issue of Archives. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2022; 73:241-243. [PMID: 36226820 PMCID: PMC9837531 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
12
|
Al-Khlaiwi T, Habib SS, Alshalan M, Al-Qhatani M, Alsowiegh S, Queid S, Alyabis O, Al-Khliwi H. Comparison of mobile phone usage and physical activity on glycemic status, body composition & lifestyle in male Saudi mobile phone users. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10646. [PMID: 36158074 PMCID: PMC9489969 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background &Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of mobile phone usage and physical activity on HbA1c, body composition, and lifestyle among male Saudi Arabian mobile phone users. Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 2020 to July 2021. The study sample consisted of 203 non-smoker male Saudi participants aged from 20 to 60 years who used mobile phones. Personal information was obtained through interviews using a proforma. The participants were divided into three groups according to their daily mobile phone usage: Group (1): less than 2 h, Group (2): 2–3 h, and Group (3): more than 3 h, and according to their physical activities: Group (1): sedentary, Group (2): average, and Group (3): athletes. Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), and (SF) 36- items survey was performed. Results The mean age of 203 Saudi male adult participants was 28.0 ± 10.4 years. Mobile phone usage in the less than 2 h group was (33.5%), between 2-3 h (22.7%), and more than 3 h (43.8%) respectively. The mean age of Group (3), who used mobile phones for more than 3 h, was the lowest (23.9 ± 5.7). The results showed that HbA1C levels were almost equal in all three groups (5.8 ± 0.4, 5.7 ± 0.4, and 5.7 ± 0.3 respectively). In addition, emotional well-being and social functioning showed insignificant decreases in the more than 3 h group compared to other groups of mobile phone usage (69.3 ± 15.7, 70.9 ± 15.5, 65.2 ± 16.0, p = .091 and 82.9 ± 201, 81.2 ± 18.7, 77.6 ± 21.6, p = .267) respectively. No effect was detected between groups regarding various body compositions. Regarding physical activity classifications: the sedentary group constituted (36%) of the sample, whereas the average and athlete groups represented (53.7%) and (10.3%) of the total sample respectively. There was a significant decrease in BMI (29.6 ± 7.8, 25.3 ± 5.1,24.7 ± 5.6, p = .000), fat mass (24.7 ± 15.0, 17.1 ± 9.1, 15.3 ± 10.6, p = .000), and free fat mass (64.0 ± 10.2, 56.8 ± 8.7, 57.5 ± 8.0, p = .000) in the average and the athletic groups compared to the sedentary group. No significant difference was found in HbA1c between physical activity groups (5.8 ± 0.4, 5.7 ± 0.4, 5.7 ± 0.4, p = .218). Conclusions Mobile phone usage does not affect HbA1c and body composition parameters. Furthermore, we found the youngers used mobile phones longer than others. Insignificant decrease in emotional well-being and social functioning parameters of the style of life due to long mobile phone usage which needs more attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thamir Al-Khlaiwi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Shahid Habib
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Saud Queid
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Alyabis
- College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rangkooy H, Rahmati A, Dehaghi BF. Base transceiver station antennae exposure and workers' health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:863-868. [PMID: 35722815 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2085892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid development of technologies related to the communications industry, human exposure to electromagnetic fields has increased during recent decades. The study aimed at investigating the effect of exposure to waves emitted from the base transceiver stations (BTS) on workers' health. METHODS 240 workers (120 BTS maintenance workers (case group) and 120 office staff (control group)) participated in the study. In order to determine the general health conditions in two groups, along with electromagnetic waves exposure measurement, the general health questionnaire (GHQ) was completed and the data on blood parameters were assessed. RESULTS The mean age and job experience in the case and control groups were 34.1 ± 4.8 and 10.1 ± 6 years and 31.6 ± 5.5 and 8.8 ± 7 years, respectively. According to the GHQ results, only anxiety and insomnia subscales showed a significant difference between the two groups. The white blood cell and red blood cell counts in the case and control groups were 6715.6 ± 1591 and 7594 ± 2416, 5.3×106±4.6×105 and 5.05×106±5.39×105 per ml, respectively. Analysis of the results showed that the difference between the two groups was significant. CONCLUSION The results revealed that blood parameters in the BTS operators showed more changes. Thus, it can be concluded that these health impacts result from occupational exposure to BTS waves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hosseinali Rangkooy
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Rahmati
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ramirez-Vazquez R, Escobar I, Franco T, Arribas E. Physical units to report intensity of electromagnetic wave. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112341. [PMID: 34740620 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to propose a consensus to scientific community that handles personal exposimeters, which measure intensity of an electromagnetic wave (W/m2). To express the intensity of an electromagnetic wave there is a duality in the way of expressing it. Some scientists prefer to use W/m2 while others use V/m, which is a unit of the electric field. There is also a duality in the name, sometimes it is called it power flux density and some other times, wave intensity. We believe that this second name is more appropriate from the point of view of physics. We suggest expressing intensity of an electromagnetic wave in W/m2 instead of giving the value of their electric field which is measured in V/m. There is a quadratic relation between electric field and intensity of the wave, and it is necessary to do a mathematical operation, so in our opinion, it is preferable to use W/m2 which directly gives us the value of the measured intensity. Furthermore, if the intensity is very low, it may be expressed in μW/m2 and with only three significant figures, due to sensitivity of the current exposimeters used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ramirez-Vazquez
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Albacete, Spain.
| | - I Escobar
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Albacete, Spain
| | - T Franco
- School of Higher Education in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (ESIME-Zacatenco), Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico city, Mexico
| | - E Arribas
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, Albacete, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zeleke BM, Brzozek C, Bhatt CR, Abramson MJ, Freudenstein F, Croft RJ, Wiedemann P, Benke G. Wi-fi related radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF): a pilot experimental study of personal exposure and risk perception. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2021; 19:671-680. [PMID: 34150266 PMCID: PMC8172712 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The impact of providing people with an objectively measured personal radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure information on the risk perception of people is not well understood. We conducted an experimental study, among three groups of participants, to investigate the risk perception of people towards RF-EMF from Wi-Fi sources (ISM 2.4 GHz) by providing participants with either basic text, precautionary information, or a summary of their personal RF-EMF exposure measurement levels. Participants provided with personal RF-EMF exposure measurement information were more confident in protecting themselves from RF-EMF exposure, compared to those provided with only basic information. Nonetheless, neither the exposure perception nor the risk perception of people to Wi-Fi related RF-EMF differed by the type of information provided. The measured Wi-Fi signal levels were far below international exposure limits. Furthermore, self-rated levels of personal RF-EMF exposure perception were not associated with objectively measured RF-EMF exposure levels. Providing people with objectively measured information may help them build confidence in protecting themselves from Wi-Fi related RF-EMF exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berihun M. Zeleke
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Christopher Brzozek
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Chhavi R. Bhatt
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Assessment and Advice Section, Radiation Health Services Branch, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, 3085 Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Frederik Freudenstein
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
- Department of Risk Communication, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rodney J. Croft
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Peter Wiedemann
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Velghe M, Aerts S, Martens L, Joseph W, Thielens A. Protocol for personal RF-EMF exposure measurement studies in 5th generation telecommunication networks. Environ Health 2021; 20:36. [PMID: 33794922 PMCID: PMC8017841 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00719-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The general population is exposed to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMFs) used by telecommunication networks. Previous studies developed methods to assess this exposure. These methods will be inadequate to accurately assess exposure in 5G technologies or other wireless technologies using adaptive antennas. This is due to the fact that 5G NR (new radio) base stations will focus actively on connected users, resulting in a high spatio-temporal variations in the RF-EMFs. This increases the measurement uncertainty in personal measurements of RF-EMF exposure. Furthermore, a user's exposure from base stations will be dependent on the amount of data usage, adding a new component to the auto-induced exposure, which is often omitted in current studies. GOALS The objective of this paper is to develop a general study protocol for future personal RF-EMF exposure research adapted to 5G technologies. This protocol will include the assessment of auto-induced exposure of both a user's own devices and the networks' base stations. METHOD This study draws from lessons learned from previous RF-EMF exposure research and current knowledge on 5G technologies, including studies simulating 5G NR base stations and measurements around 5G NR test sites. RESULTS To account for auto-induced exposure, an activity-based approach is introduced. In survey studies, an RF-EMF sensor is fixed on the participants' mobile device(s). Based on the measured power density, GPS data and movement and proximity sensors, different activities can be clustered and the exposure during each activity is evaluated. In microenvironmental measurements, a trained researcher performs measurements in predefined microenvironments with a mobile device equipped with the RF-EMF sensor. The mobile device is programmed to repeat a sequence of data transmission scenarios (different amounts of uplink and downlink data transmissions). Based on simulations, the amount of exposure induced in the body when the user device is at a certain location relative to the body, can be evaluated. CONCLUSION Our protocol addresses the main challenges to personal exposure measurement introduced by 5G NR. A systematic method to evaluate a user's auto-induced exposure is introduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Velghe
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / IMEC, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, 126, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sam Aerts
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / IMEC, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, 126, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Martens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / IMEC, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, 126, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / IMEC, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, 126, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University / IMEC, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, 126, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ramirez-Vazquez R, Gonzalez-Rubio J, Escobar I, Suarez Rodriguez CDP, Arribas E. Personal Exposure Assessment to Wi-Fi Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Mexican Microenvironments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041857. [PMID: 33673014 PMCID: PMC7918906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) has substantially increased, and most studies about RF-EMF with volunteers have been developed in Europe. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study carried out in Mexico with personal exposimeters. The main objective was to measure personal exposure to RF-EMF from Wireless Fidelity or wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) frequency bands in Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to compare results with maximum levels permitted by international recommendations and to find if there are differences in the microenvironments subject to measurements. The study was conducted with 63 volunteers in different microenvironments: home, workplace, outside, schools, travel, and shopping. The mean minimum values registered were 146.5 μW/m2 in travel from the Wi-Fi 2G band and 116.8 μW/m2 at home from the Wi-Fi 5G band, and the maximum values registered were 499.7 μW/m2 and 264.9 μW/m2 at the workplace for the Wi-Fi 2G band and the Wi-Fi 5G band, respectively. In addition, by time period and type of day, minimum values were registered at nighttime, these values being 129.4 μW/m2 and 93.9 μW/m2, and maximum values were registered in the daytime, these values being 303.1 μW/m2 and 168.3 μW/m2 for the Wi-Fi 2G and Wi-Fi 5G bands, respectively. In no case, values exceeded limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Of the study participants (n = 63), a subgroup (n = 35) answered a survey on risk perception. According to these results, the Tamazunchale (Mexico) population is worried about this situation in comparison with several European cities; however, the risk perception changes when they are informed about the results for the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramirez-Vazquez
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.E.); (E.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jesus Gonzalez-Rubio
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, C/Almansa 14, 02071 Albacete, Spain;
| | - Isabel Escobar
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.E.); (E.A.)
| | - Carmen del Pilar Suarez Rodriguez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, Academic Coordination of the Huasteca South Region, Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi 79960, Mexico;
| | - Enrique Arribas
- Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Computer Science Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. de España s/n, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (I.E.); (E.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kiouvrekis Y, Manios G, Tsitsia V, Gourzoulidis G, Kappas C. A statistical analysis for RF-EMF exposure levels in sensitive land use: A novel study in Greek primary and secondary education schools. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:109940. [PMID: 33181972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing popularity of mobile phones and the expansion of network infrastructure in Greece have given rise to public concerns about potential adverse health effects on sensitive groups, such as children, from long-term radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) exposure. According to Greek law the RF limit values for sensitive land use (schools, hospitals, etc) have been set to 60% of those recommended by EU standard and 70% for the general population. AIMS The objective of this study is to estimate mean RF-EMF exposure levels of Greek primary and secondary edu-cation schools located in urban environments. METHODS In selecting the minimum sample size we observed that the variance of the random variable was unknown, as there has been no similar previous study in Greece with schools as the target population. For this reason, a pilot study was conducted in 65 schools in order to estimate the standard deviation of the population and use that value to calculate the minimum sample size. Using a random machine num-ber generator contracted in R based on pseudo-random number algorithms, we obtained a sample of 492 schools in order to estimate the mean value for RF-EMF radiation sources in the 27 MHz-3GHz range in schools within urban environments in Greece. RESULTS We have performed the appropriate hypothesis test to get that there is sufficient evidence at the α = 0.05 level to conclude that the mean value for RF-EMF radiation sources in the 27 MHz-3GHz range, in schools within urban environments in Greece, is equal to 0.42 V/m, also a 95% confidence interval for the mean value is (0.4024, 0.4395)] with central value equal to the sample mean 0.4209. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the exposure level in the locations tested are both below 60% of the highest limit set by ICNIRP (International Commision on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) regarding sensitive land use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiannis Kiouvrekis
- Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; University of West Attica, Department of BioMedical Sciences, Athens, Greece; University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Georgios Manios
- Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | | | - Georgios Gourzoulidis
- Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Research and Measurements Center of OHS Hazardous Agents, OHS Directorate, Hellenic Ministry of Labor, Athens, Greece.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sârbu A, Miclăuș S, Digulescu A, Bechet P. Comparative Analysis of User Exposure to the Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of Wi-Fi Communication Devices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8837. [PMID: 33261154 PMCID: PMC7729604 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A suitable metric to describe human exposure to microwaves emitted by wireless communication devices is still incomplete. By using both theoretical analysis and experimental validation (in controlled and real deployed networks), we analyze and compare the specificity of exposure due to data transmissions in different configurations of fourth and fifth generation wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) standards in the proximity of a mobile device. Measurements made use of the capability of the amplitude probability density incorporated in a real-time spectrum analyzer, proving its agility of highlighting different user exposure profiles. The results are presented comparatively and indicate that, in Wi-Fi networks, the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) should be used together with the duty cycle for an improved exposure assessment. The present work introduces the emitted energy density per bit in describing the user's exposure to Wi-Fi signals and proves its superiority in characterizing the true levels of exposure for the IEEE 802.11n and 802.11ac standards of communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sârbu
- Communications, IT and Cyber Defense Department, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania; (S.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Simona Miclăuș
- Communications, IT and Cyber Defense Department, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania; (S.M.); (P.B.)
| | - Angela Digulescu
- Telecommunications and Information Technology Department, “Ferdinand I” Military Technical Academy, 050141 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Paul Bechet
- Communications, IT and Cyber Defense Department, “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy, 550170 Sibiu, Romania; (S.M.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tyrakis C, Gourzoulidis GA, Kiouvrekis Y, Alexias A, Alkhorayef M, Sulieman A, Kappas C. Radiofrequency Exposure in Schools' Environment Reveals Spectrum Characteristics: The Role of Public Information. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:558-564. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charilaos Tyrakis
- Department of Medical Physics Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Georgios A. Gourzoulidis
- Department of Medical Physics Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
- Research and Measurements Center of OHS Hazardous Agents OHS Directorate, Hellenic Ministry of Labor Athens Greece
| | - Yiannis Kiouvrekis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences University of West Attica Athens Greece
- University of Nicosia Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Aris Alexias
- Department of Medical Physics Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Mohammed Alkhorayef
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelmoneim Sulieman
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, College of Applied Medical Sciences Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University Al‐Kharj Saudi Arabia
| | - Constantin Kappas
- Department of Medical Physics Faculty of Medicine University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| |
Collapse
|