One of the core goals of the ETAIN project is to evaluate the impact of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on human health and the environment and explore viable options for reducing exposure. This research is being conducted by a team of researchers from several EU countries. One researcher, Nekane Sandoval, in collaboration with colleagues from the ETAIN project and Swiss TPH, has co-authored the article “Determining the relationship between mobile phone network signal strength and radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure: protocol and pilot study to derive conversion functions.” The article presents an investigation into how mobile phones can be used to estimate exposure to RF-EMF from mobile wireless communication. As part of this study, the researchers developed an app called “5G Scientist,” which tracks signal quality on phones to potentially estimate RF-EMF exposure.

ETAIN researcher Nekane Sandoval conducted in-depth measurements of RF-EMF exposure from telecommunication technologies in four different locations: Barcelona, Girona, Sant Celoni, and Besalú .

One of the objectives of the ETAIN project is to determine how much 5G radiation power is absorbed by insects when exposed to given levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). The aim is to understand how this absorbed power is distributed throughout an insect's body, how it varies from one species to another, and whether it depends on the insect's developmental stage.

The ETAIN Dose Calculator allows you to understand your daily exposure to and absorption of RF-EMF from your own habits when it comes to use of digital devices.

One of the main goals of the project is planetary health, an approach that ensures the overall health of the planet is considered and prioritized.

The deployment of 5G may lead to significantly elevated absorption rates for small bodies, like insects. Since insects play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health, the effects of RF-EMF exposure on animals may also have indirect effects on human health. Therefore, ensuring planetary health is crucial and is one of the main focus of the ongoing research.

From the 16th to the 21st of June, 2024, the third annual meeting of the new BioEM Society took place in Chania, Greece. At this conference, several ETAIN researchers presented the latest updates of the project to a mixed audience of academic and industrial participants from all over the world.

During the first week of June we had the third General Assembly of the ETAIN project at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel. For three days, all of the partners got together to discuss developments across all project work areas.

A delegation from ETAIN, one of the four research consortium projects in the cluster, was present at the CLUE-H meeting to share the project's developments with everyone.

10th Course: “Electromagnetic fields and health – epidemiological approaches ”

The Ideas for Change team, organised a workshop with experts and people interested in 5G and electromagnetic fields. The session aimed to co-create the best way to design the app that measures exposition to RF-EMF and its content.

Less than a month ago, the ETAIN consortium travelled to Bordeaux to gather all together in the second face-to-face meeting of the project. The event was a lively opportunity to analyse the first year of the project, start reflecting on lessons learned and organise the next steps for the following stage accordingly . Also, we had time to meet new members, share some free time together and keep building a strong relationship among the team.

Insects are vital to the health of the planet. With the deployment of new technologies and telecommunications protocols such as 5G, exposure to electromagnetic fields is expected to change and may negatively impact these pollinators. One of ETAIN's research areas focuses on measuring the actual impact of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on insects and defining thresholds of well-being.

How is ETAIN involving communities and implementing co-created strategies to actively engage citizens into mapping and studying our exposure to RF-EMF during our daily lives? In this article you’ll get some more details and insights on how an integrated mobile application and web platforms are being co-designed to measure individual and collective RF-EMF exposure across the Citizen Labs in Barcelona and Utrecht. Keep reading!

How will we benefit from 5G? We are connected via phones, tablets, computers and other mobile devices 24/7. In this context, the fifth generation of wireless communication (5G) is in the spotlight. What are its benefits? What do we know about its downsides? Does it affect our health and the planet?