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Hardell L et al, (May 2018) Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report., Oncol Lett. 2018 May;15(5):7871-7883. doi: 10.3892/ol.2018.8285

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Authors not listed · 2018

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Living near cell towers can create continuous RF radiation exposure levels far exceeding typical phone use.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Swedish researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels in an apartment located near cell phone base stations on the roof. They recorded over 74,000 measurements and found radiation levels averaging 3,811 µW/m², with some areas reaching over 112,000 µW/m². The researchers concluded the apartment was unsuitable for long-term living, especially for children.

Why This Matters

This case report provides a stark real-world example of how close proximity to cell towers can create extreme RF exposure levels in residential spaces. The measured levels of 3,811 µW/m² average exposure far exceed what most people experience from their personal devices - your cell phone typically produces around 1,000-2,000 µW/m² when held against your head, but only during active calls. What makes this particularly concerning is the continuous nature of base station exposure. Unlike your phone which transmits intermittently, these residents faced 24/7 radiation at levels that peaked over 112,000 µW/m² in bedrooms and balconies. The 98% reduction when base station signals were excluded proves the towers were the primary source. The researchers' recommendation to dismantle the base stations reflects the severity of the exposure levels documented.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2018). Hardell L et al, (May 2018) Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report., Oncol Lett. 2018 May;15(5):7871-7883. doi: 10.3892/ol.2018.8285.
Show BibTeX
@article{hardell_l_et_al_may_2018_radiofrequency_radiation_from_nearby_base_stations_gives_high_levels_in_an_apartment_in_stockholm_sweden_a_case_report_oncol_lett_2018_may1557871_7883_doi_103892ol20188285_ce1120,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Hardell L et al, (May 2018) Radiofrequency radiation from nearby base stations gives high levels in an apartment in Stockholm, Sweden: A case report., Oncol Lett. 2018 May;15(5):7871-7883. doi: 10.3892/ol.2018.8285},
  year = {2018},
  doi = {10.3892/ol.2018.8285},
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The apartment averaged 3,811 µW/m² of RF radiation, with peak levels reaching 112,318 µW/m² in some bedrooms and balconies. These levels far exceed typical residential exposure from personal devices.
RF radiation levels dropped by 98% when base station downlinks were excluded from measurements, proving the cell towers were responsible for nearly all the excessive radiation exposure.
Researchers conducted 74,531 individual measurements over approximately 83 hours of recording throughout the entire apartment, including all balconies, to document comprehensive exposure levels.
Three balconies and three of the four bedrooms showed particularly high RF radiation levels, with some areas reaching over 112,000 µW/m² - nearly 30 times the apartment average.
The researchers noted children may be more sensitive to RF radiation than adults, and the continuously high exposure levels made the apartment unsuitable for long-term residence by anyone.