Assessing RF-EMF Impact Across the EU: ETAIN's Comprehensive Field Research in Spain
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, while exploring viable options for reducing exposure. Since the beginning of the project in 2022, ETAIN researchers have undertaken a series of field studies across various European cities. The most recent experiments took place last week in Spain, where 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 .
The research focused on examining both short-range and long-range radiation of 4G and 5G signals in these cities. To ensure that the data collected is as precise and reliable as possible, our team conducted measurements under four distinct scenarios:
No Use: The cell phone remains locked with no active use, but it continues to have signal reception and transmits periodically. Measurements were taken for 2 minutes per network carrier.
Upload: Files are uploaded continuously for 2 minutes, a scenario involving the highest data transmission rates. This test was performed with both 4G and 5G networks.
WhatsApp Voice Calls: A 2-minute voice call is made using WhatsApp while the phone is connected to either 4G or 5G. The device was positioned against the ear, where the body exposure meter is located.
Native Voice Call: A traditional 2-minute voice call is made using 4G technology (“voice over LTE” or VoLTE), as 5G is not yet available for native voice calls in Europe.
These scenarios were conducted across four mobile broadband carriers in Spain—Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and MásMóvil. Each network was tested to provide a comprehensive analysis of connectivity and exposure in places where people typically spend time. Analyzing all major carriers gives a holistic picture of the RF-EMF exposure experienced by users, and will ultimately allow us to develop exposure maps..
Tools and Methods for Accurate RF-EMF Measurements
To achieve accurate and reliable measurements, ETAIN researchers utilized a variety of specialized tools and devices, including:
Cell Phones with 4G and 5G Connectivity: Equipped with an in-house developed app to process and analyze the signals received and transmitted by the phone.
Exposure Meters on Fixed Stands: Positioned at a specific height and at least 30 cm away from the cell phone, ensuring consistent measurement conditions to capture RF-EMF exposure in specific frequency bands.
Body Exposure Meter Devices: Placed at representative positions, such as on the ear and chest, to capture typical body levels of exposure during everyday phone use.
QualiPoc: A modified cell phone integrated with a test drive tool application, allowing for precise measurement of the output power of the phone. This device captures near-field exposure, which is the primary contributor to human exposure when the phone is in use.
Results and Future Outlook
The findings from Spain complement similar studies already conducted in Switzerland (Zurich, Basel, Bubendorf, and Gempen) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam, Utrecht, Werkhoven, and Zegveld). Upcoming research will expand to other EU countries, including Greece and Belgium. By repeating these field studies over the next two years, ETAIN aims to track changes in RF-EMF exposure across Europe. This will ensure that the 5G radiation maps and measurement estimations developed by the project's app are broadly applicable. These tools will also support epidemiological studies analyzing the impact of 5G on human health.
As ETAIN continues to assess and compare RF-EMF exposure in different contexts, the insights gained will play a pivotal role in developing strategies for mitigating potential risks, enhancing public awareness, and supporting informed policy-making.
This research underscores ETAIN's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting safe and sustainable technological growth within the European Union.
