On the safety assessment of human exposure in the proximity of cellular communications base-station antennas at 900, 1800 and 2170 MHz
Martinez-Burdalo M, Martin A, Anguiano M, Villar R · 2005
View Original AbstractCurrent cell tower safety assessments may underestimate actual radiation absorption in human bodies, particularly at close distances.
Plain English Summary
Spanish researchers tested whether current safety guidelines adequately protect people near cell tower antennas at three common frequencies (900, 1800, and 2170 MHz). Using computer models of human bodies placed at various distances from antennas, they found that meeting field strength limits doesn't always guarantee that radiation absorption (SAR) stays within safety limits. This means people could be exposed to higher-than-intended radiation levels even when towers appear to comply with regulations.
Why This Matters
This research exposes a critical flaw in how we assess cell tower safety. The science demonstrates that simply measuring electromagnetic field strength in the air doesn't tell the whole story about human exposure. What this means for you is that current safety assessments may underestimate actual radiation absorption in your body, particularly when you're close to cell towers. The reality is that safety guidelines rely on simplified assumptions that don't account for how electromagnetic fields interact with human tissue at different frequencies. This study adds to mounting evidence that our regulatory approach needs updating. While you don't have to avoid all areas near cell towers, this research supports the need for more comprehensive safety testing and reinforces why maintaining distance from transmission sources remains a prudent precaution.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900, 1800 and 2170 MHz
Study Details
In this work, the procedures for safety assessment in the close proximity of cellular communications base-station antennas at three different frequencies (900, 1800 and 2170 MHz) are analysed.
For each operating frequency, we have obtained and compared the distances to the antenna from the ex...
This paper shows that, for antenna-body distances in the near zone of the antenna, the fact that ave...
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2005_on_the_safety_assessment_2416,
author = {Martinez-Burdalo M and Martin A and Anguiano M and Villar R},
title = {On the safety assessment of human exposure in the proximity of cellular communications base-station antennas at 900, 1800 and 2170 MHz},
year = {2005},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16177535/},
}