The ETAIN EMF Dose Calculator

We are usually exposed to RF-EMF when we use devices that apply RF-EMF for heating or wireless communication. The most common and relevant sources are included in our Dose Calculator such as mobile phones, cordless phones, laptops, tablets and wireless headsets as well as environmental exposures from mobile phone base stations or WiFi access points.

When we are exposed to RF-EMF, then our body absorbs energy. We call this the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is the energy deposited in tissue due to RF-EMF exposure. For the Dose Calculator we calculate the SAR of the brain and for the whole body for various typical exposure situations. Multiplying the SAR with exposure duration per day produces your RF-EMF dose. In principle, it is the same as a time-weighted average of your RF-EMF exposure. Here is a description of the principle of RF-EMF dose calculation.

Your exposure from using a phone can also differ depending on the phone you use. Are you interested in the device differences? Here you find a list of SAR values for mobile phones.

The ETAIN Dose Calculator focus on brain exposure, because many devices are used close to the head. Second, because the brain is central for a body’s functioning, we put special focus on the calculation of this particular area of the body.

Our dose measure is expressed in millijoules per kilogram per day (mJ/kg/day). This dose measure cannot be directly interpreted in terms of health effects. In fact, RF-EMF exposure guidelines (corresponding to legal limits in many countries in the EU) are based on the SAR values, since momentary exposure levels are critical for health. Below RF-EMF guideline values no health effects have been observed. RF-EMF cannot accumulate in the body but the ETAIN Dose Calculator informs you about the contribution of different RF-EMF sources to your daily brain dose. By understanding where your RF-EMF dose comes from, you can make informed decisions about your own exposure situations. It can also inform you how to efficiently reduce your RF-EMF dose even if your RF-EMF exposure is below guideline values.

To make your RF-EMF brain dose calculation more meaningful to you, we compare the values with the average of the general population. This calculation is based on representative data of 1755 people from France, Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, which has been collected between 2016 and 2017. In the future, we will collect newer data with ETAIN 5G scientist app. Join our citizen science team, download the app and help to collect such data.

Check the CLUE-H policy brief.