5G RF EMF Spectral Exposure Assessment in Four European Countries

This study assesses the exposure to 5G radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) across four European countries. Spot measurements were conducted indoor and outdoor in both public spaces and educational institutions, encompassing urban and rural environments. In total, 146 measurements were performed in 2023, divided over Belgium (47), Switzerland (38), Hungary (30) and Poland (31). At 34.9% of all measurement locations a 5G connection to 3.6 GHz was established. The average cumulative incident power density (S_avg) and maximum cumulative incident power density (S_max) were determined, for both “background” exposure (no 5G user equipment; No UE) and worst-case exposure (maximum downlink with 5G user equipment; Max DL). Furthermore, 3.6 GHz 5G-specific average S_avg,5G and maximum S_max,5G incident power density are considered as well. For the No UE scenario, the highest S_max is 17.6 mW/m², while for the Max DL, the highest S_max is 23.3 mW/m². Both values are well within the ICNIRP guidelines. The highest S_max,5G measured over all countries and scenarios was 10.4 mW/m², which is 3.2% of the frequency-specific ICNIRP guidelines. Additionally, a comparison was made between big cities, secondary cities, and villages for all four countries. The ratio of power density measured in rural areas was significantly lower than in urban areas (−4.8 to −10.4 dB). Under LOS conditions, the average incident power density was 2.3 mW/m², whereas under NLOS conditions, the average incident power density decreases to 0.9 mW/m². Furthermore, the relative variation increases under NLOS scenarios. Lastly, an analysis was performed regarding the power density in educational institutions compared to all other measurement locations, both indoors and outdoors for the different city types. The measured incident power density is not extensively lower in or around schools compared to public places, neither in the big cities, secondary cities, or the villages.