Key Points
- Researchers measured 5G-related radiation exposure in Switzerland across urban and rural settings.
- Urban areas had higher environmental RF-EMF levels due to denser base stations.
- Beamforming technology increased radiation during data downloads. Data uploads generated the highest radiation, especially in rural areas.
- Device emissions could amplify up to ten times higher when held close to the body.
Researchers from Project GOLIAT have introduced a protocol to measure radiation exposure from mobile phones and 5G networks. The study assessed radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure during three scenarios: when phones are in flight mode, downloading data, and uploading data. Published in Environmental Research, the research in Switzerland highlights how population density and network quality affect radiation levels.
Data collection involved over 30,000 measurements across cities like Zurich and Basel and rural villages such as Hergiswil, Willisau, and Dagmersellen. Researchers used personal exposimeters and mobile devices with sensors to measure RF-EMF levels in various microenvironments, including residential, industrial, and public areas.
In the flight mode scenario, exposure primarily came from base stations. Urban areas exhibited higher exposure levels than rural regions, averaging 0.48 mW/m² in Zurich, compared to 0.17 mW/m² in rural villages. Public transport and business districts recorded the highest levels, though well below international safety guidelines.
When devices were set to maximum data download, radiation spiked to 6–7 mW/m² on average. Urban exposure exceeded rural levels due to the higher density of 5G base stations. The researchers attributed this to beamforming technology, which increases exposure and intensifies signals directed at users.
The highest RF-EMF levels occurred during maximum data upload. Devices transmitting data emitted significantly more radiation, averaging 16 mW/m² in cities and 29 mW/m² in villages. This disparity arises because rural areas, with fewer base stations, require phones to use more power to maintain connections, paradoxically resulting in higher exposure despite lower environmental RF-EMF levels.
Researchers noted that their measurements, taken 30 cm from the phone, might underestimate actual exposure, as users typically hold phones closer to their bodies. This proximity could amplify exposure by up to ten times.
This pioneering study highlights a paradox: Mobile phone users in areas with fewer base stations may face higher exposure due to increased device emissions. Over the next three years, research will expand to nine European countries to monitor exposure changes as 5G networks develop.