Geospatial modelling of electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations.
Sci Total Environ
; 445-446: 202-9, 2013 Feb 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23333516
ABSTRACT
There is concern that exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phone base stations might lead to adverse health effects. In order to assess potential health risks, reliable exposure assessment is necessary. Geospatial exposure modelling is a promising approach to quantify ambient exposure to RF-EMF for epidemiological studies involving large populations. We modelled RF-EMF for Amsterdam, The Netherlands by using a 3D RF-EMF model (NISMap). We subsequently compared modelled results to RF-EMF measurements in five areas with differing built-up characteristics (e.g., low-rise residential, high-rise commercial). We performed, in each area, repeated continuous measurements along a predefined ~2 km long path. This mobile monitoring approach captures the high spatial variability in electric field strengths. The modelled values were in good agreement with the measurements. We found a Spearman correlation of 0.86 for GSM900 and 0.85 for UMTS between modelled and measured values. The average measured GSM900 field strength was 0.21 V/m, and UMTS 0.09 V/m. The model underestimated the GSM900 field strengths by 0.07 V/m, and slightly overestimated the UMTS field strengths by 0.01 V/m. NISMap provides a reliable way of assessing environmental RF-EMF exposure for epidemiological studies of RF-EMF and health in urban areas.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Asunto principal:
Ondas de Radio
/
Teléfono Celular
/
Campos Electromagnéticos
/
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales
/
Modelos Teóricos
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Total Environ
Año:
2013
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Países Bajos