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Magnetic Fields (ELF)

Assessment of extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure from GSM mobile phones.

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Calderón C, Addison D, Mee T, Findlay R, Maslanyj M, Conil E, Kromhout H, Lee AK, Sim MR, Taki M, Varsier N, Wiart J, Cardis E. · 2013

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Cell phones emit significant ELF magnetic fields that vary two-fold between models, representing an overlooked daily exposure source.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested 47 cell phones and found they emit extremely low frequency magnetic fields averaging 221 nanoteslas during typical use. Phone manufacturer and design created a two-fold difference in exposure levels, suggesting mobile phones contribute substantially to magnetic field exposure.

Why This Matters

This research fills a critical gap in our understanding of mobile phone EMF emissions. While most attention focuses on radiofrequency radiation from phones, this study demonstrates that the ELF magnetic fields generated by phone circuitry represent another significant exposure pathway. The finding that exposure varies by a factor of two between different phone models is particularly important because it shows consumers have some control over their ELF exposure through device selection. What makes this research especially valuable is that it was conducted as part of the MOBI-KIDS epidemiological study, meaning these exposure measurements will be used to assess potential health relationships in real-world populations. The reality is that we carry these ELF-emitting devices against our bodies for hours each day, making this a relevant exposure source that deserves the same scrutiny we give to RF emissions.

Exposure Details

Magnetic Field
0.000221 mG
Source/Device
217 Hz

Exposure Context

This study used 0.000221 mG for magnetic fields:

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.000221 mGExtreme Concern - 5 mGFCC Limit - 2,000 mGEffects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 9,049,774x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 217 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 217 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

This paper summarises ELF magnetic flux density measurements on global system for mobile communications (GSM) mobile phones, conducted as part of the MOBI-KIDS epidemiological study.

The main challenge is to identify a small number of generic phone models that can be used to classif...

Taking into account harmonic data, measurements suggest that mobile phones could make a substantial ...

Cite This Study
Calderón C, Addison D, Mee T, Findlay R, Maslanyj M, Conil E, Kromhout H, Lee AK, Sim MR, Taki M, Varsier N, Wiart J, Cardis E. (2013). Assessment of extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure from GSM mobile phones. Bioelectromagnetics. 2013 Nov 6. doi: 10.1002/bem.21827.
Show BibTeX
@article{c_2013_assessment_of_extremely_low_884,
  author = {Calderón C and Addison D and Mee T and Findlay R and Maslanyj M and Conil E and Kromhout H and Lee AK and Sim MR and Taki M and Varsier N and Wiart J and Cardis E.},
  title = {Assessment of extremely low frequency magnetic field exposure from GSM mobile phones.},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24203762/},
}
PubMed: 24203762

Cited By (18 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, cell phones emit extremely low frequency magnetic fields during normal use. A 2013 study of 47 phones found they produce magnetic field emissions averaging 221 nanoteslas, with levels varying significantly between different phone manufacturers and designs.
Yes, phone manufacturer and design create substantial differences in magnetic field exposure. Research shows a two-fold difference between high and low exposure phones, meaning some models emit twice the magnetic field levels of others during typical use.
Mobile phones contribute substantially to your total extremely low frequency EMF exposure according to research. The magnetic fields they emit during calls and data use add meaningfully to the background electromagnetic fields you encounter daily from other sources.
Smartphones produce extremely low frequency magnetic fields averaging 221 nanoteslas during typical use. However, exposure levels vary significantly between phone models, with some producing twice the magnetic field emissions of others based on manufacturer and design differences.
Research shows cell phones emit measurable magnetic fields that contribute substantially to your total EMF exposure, but this 2013 study focused on measuring exposure levels rather than health effects. The biological significance of these magnetic field emissions remains under investigation.