Measurements and Analysis of Personal Exposure to RF-EMF Inside and Outside School Buildings: A Case Study at a Kosovo School

Abstract

Today, society is facing the challenge of intensive Internet use. In addition to real-life situations, intense social media activity has raised concerns about personal exposure to RF-FEM from wireless communication systems, particularly indoors. We present the results of the measurements of personal exposure to children in school. In this case, it is about a large school in the capital of Kosovo-Pristina. This study aimed to obtain measured values that indicate the level of personal exposure to RF-EMF from wireless communication systems and usage of mobile phones and other wireless devices by students and staff during class hours. We compared the measured values on weekdays with those on weekends seeking changes and valid assessments of real-life situations. The exposure levels from Wi-Fi networks and cell phone systems were below the international reference levels and some EMF limits of precautionary laws in sensitive places. The values recorded for a typical Kosovo school were comparable to those in other countries, especially in indoor microenvironments. However, we noticed intense activity on mobile phones during classes. The average power density doubled on weekdays compared with weekends. The intensive traffic of mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices connected to the Internet outside the school building is also detected.

Keywords

• Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF)
• Wi-Fi
• personal exposure
• measurement points inside the school