Electromagnetic field in the environment − estimation methods and monitoring

Abstract

Background The paper describes the current legal status related to electromagnetic field (EMF) measurements in the context of environmental protection. It also presents the assumptions and exemplary results obtained from the EMF National Monitoring System which, in the authors’ opinion, could be more reliable and better adapted to the current state of affairs in the radiocommunication industry. Material and Methods A simplified method of estimating electromagnetic field intensity from various sources, including in particular cellular base stations, using their basic parameters, was described. The electromagnetic field monitoring system operating in Poland was described, and alternative monitoring methods were presented. The authors introduced their own concept of mobile monitoring, whose assumptions perfectly fit into the current realities and can be performed with the use of the current measurement equipment available to laboratories of the Voivodeship Inspectorates for Environmental Protection. Results The construction of the measurement system was presented, and its measurement verification was carried out. Measurement errors resulting from the use of weather-resistant casing and from placing the device on the roof of the vehicle were estimated, confirming that their impact on the measurement uncertainty budget tends to be negligible. Auxiliary software for mobile monitoring was presented, with the aid of which verification was made by carrying out monitoring measurements in the city of Wrocław. Conclusions The results obtained during the monitoring measurements in real conditions confirmed that the proposed method provides reliable results, which are not burdened with significant errors and distortions resulting from the proposed measurement methodology or from the construction of the measurement system itself. The developed system does not require significant financial outlays and is a perfect complement to the stationary measurements currently performed within the Environmental Monitoring System. Med Pr. 2019;70(5):567–85

Keywords

• electromagnetic field
• environment
• EMF
• monitoring
• exposure
• electromagnetic field estimation