Exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz-2 GHz) in Extremadura (Spain).
Rufo MM, Paniagua JM, Jiménez A, Antolín A · 2011
View Original AbstractReal-world EMF measurements across Spanish towns stayed below safety limits but varied widely, highlighting the need for comprehensive exposure monitoring.
Plain English Summary
Spanish researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels from AM/FM radio, television, and cell phone signals across 35 towns in the Extremadura region. They found that all measured exposure levels stayed below official safety guidelines, though radiation levels varied significantly between different types of towns and frequency ranges. This study provides important baseline data about real-world EMF exposure in populated areas.
Why This Matters
This Spanish survey represents exactly the type of comprehensive environmental monitoring we need more of worldwide. While the researchers found exposure levels below current safety guidelines, the reality is that these guidelines were established decades ago based on thermal effects alone and don't account for the growing body of research on biological effects at much lower levels. What makes this study particularly valuable is its systematic approach across different community types, revealing that EMF exposure varies significantly based on population density and infrastructure. The fact that researchers felt compelled to create this detailed exposure map speaks to growing awareness that we need better data on what people are actually experiencing in their daily environments, not just laboratory estimates.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 100 kHz-2 GHz
Study Details
This paper reports the measurements of radiofrequency (RF) total power densities and power density spectra in 35 towns of the region of Extremadura, Spain.
The spectra were taken with three antennas covering frequencies from 100 kHz to 2.2 GHz. This freque...
The results showed the power density levels to be below the reference level guidelines for human exp...
Show BibTeX
@article{mm_2011_exposure_to_highfrequency_electromagnetic_2547,
author = {Rufo MM and Paniagua JM and Jiménez A and Antolín A},
title = {Exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz-2 GHz) in Extremadura (Spain).},
year = {2011},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22048492/},
}