Statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation measurements in the vicinity of GSM/UMTS base station antenna masts.
Koprivica M, Neskovic N, Neskovic A, Paunovic G. · 2014
View Original AbstractCell tower radiation stayed below safety guidelines but independent research shows biological effects at much lower exposure levels.
Plain English Summary
Researchers measured electromagnetic radiation levels around 664 cell phone base stations in Serbia, focusing particularly on antenna masts. They found that electric field strength never exceeded 10 V/m near the masts, and at distances greater than 50 meters, levels dropped to less than 1-2 V/m. These measurements were all below international safety guidelines established by ICNIRP.
Why This Matters
This study provides valuable real-world data on the electromagnetic field exposures people actually encounter near cell towers, which is critical information often missing from the EMF health debate. While the researchers found exposures below ICNIRP guidelines, it's important to understand that these guidelines are based primarily on thermal effects and don't account for the growing body of research showing biological effects at much lower levels. The measured levels of 1-2 V/m at 50+ meters may seem reassuring, but independent research has documented cellular and DNA effects at exposures well below these levels. What this means for you is that even 'compliant' cell tower exposures may still carry biological risks that current safety standards don't address.
Exposure Details
- Electric Field
- <1, 2, and 10 V/m
Exposure Context
This study used <1, 2, and 10 V/m for electric fields:
- 3.3x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.3 V/m
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.
Study Details
The aim of this study is to invesitgate Statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation measurements in the vicinity of GSM/UMTS base station antenna masts.
In order to determine the level of radio-frequency radiation generated by base stations, extensive e...
It was concluded that the total electric field strength in the vicinity of base station antenna masts in no case exceeded 10 V m−1, which is quite below the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels. At horizontal distances >50 m from the mast bottom, the median and maximum values were <1 and 2 V m−1, respectively.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2014_statistical_analysis_of_electromagnetic_1107,
author = {Koprivica M and Neskovic N and Neskovic A and Paunovic G.},
title = {Statistical analysis of electromagnetic radiation measurements in the vicinity of GSM/UMTS base station antenna masts.},
year = {2014},
url = {https://academic.oup.com/rpd/article-abstract/158/3/263/1615962},
}