Electromagnetic Field Exposure Changes Due to the Digital Television Switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured electromagnetic field exposure from television broadcasts in Thessaloniki, Greece, before and after the transition from analog to digital TV. They found that digital television signals produced 78% lower power density (13.3 μW/m²) compared to analog broadcasts (60 μW/m²). This means the digital switchover significantly reduced the population's exposure to radiofrequency radiation in the UHF television band.

Why This Matters

This study provides valuable real-world data on how technological transitions can impact our daily EMF exposure. The 78% reduction in power density from the digital television switchover demonstrates that newer broadcasting technologies aren't automatically more harmful than older ones. What this means for you: while digital TV signals still contribute to your overall radiofrequency exposure, they represent a meaningful reduction compared to the analog broadcasts they replaced. The measured levels, while complying with international guidelines, were notably higher than similar measurements in other countries, highlighting how local infrastructure and geography affect exposure patterns. This research underscores the importance of measuring actual exposure changes rather than making assumptions about new technologies.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

In the present work, the changes in the exposure to electromagnetic fields due to television signals incurred by the digital switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece, are investigated.

It is shown that the measured electric fields comply with ICNIRP guidelines but are higher than thos...

This finding indicates that the digital switchover has resulted in reduced exposure for the population to radiofrequency fields in the UHF range.

Cite This Study

Gkonis F, Boursianis A, Samaras T. (2017). Electromagnetic Field Exposure Changes Due to the Digital Television Switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece. Health Phys. 2017 Nov;113(5):382-386.

Show BibTeX

@article{f_2017_electromagnetic_field_exposure_changes_2113,
  author = {Gkonis F and Boursianis A and Samaras T.},
  title = {Electromagnetic Field Exposure Changes Due to the Digital Television Switchover in Thessaloniki, Greece.},
  year = {2017},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28961586/},
}

PubMed: 28961586

Cited By (1 paper)

A study of the long term changes in the electromagnetic environment using data from continuous monitoring sensors in Greece
A. Manassas et al. (2023) - 13 citations

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, digital TV produces significantly less radiation than analog broadcasts. A 2017 Greek study found digital television signals created 78% lower power density (13.3 μW/m²) compared to analog TV (60 μW/m²), substantially reducing population exposure to radiofrequency fields.

Digital TV switchover dramatically reduces EMF exposure compared to analog broadcasting. Research in Thessaloniki, Greece showed the transition to digital television decreased radiofrequency power density from 60 μW/m² to just 13.3 μW/m², representing a 78% reduction in exposure levels.

TV broadcast radiation levels measured in Greece complied with international safety guidelines, though they were higher than other countries. The study found digital TV produces 78% less radiofrequency exposure than analog broadcasts, reducing potential health concerns.

Digital television emits relatively low levels of radiofrequency radiation. Greek researchers measured power density of 13.3 μW/m² from digital TV broadcasts, which is 78% lower than the 60 μW/m² produced by previous analog television transmissions.

TV tower emissions measured in Greece stayed within international safety guidelines established by ICNIRP. Digital broadcasting significantly reduced exposure levels by 78% compared to analog transmissions, from 60 μW/m² down to 13.3 μW/m² for nearby populations.