Measurements and Analysis of Personal Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields at Outdoor and Indoor School Buildings: A Case Study at a Spanish School

Abstract

Personal exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) has increased due to the development of a society of information and the implementation of new technologies. Most studies about RF-EMF are focused on adult exposure in different microenvironments, but these studies do not usually consider places where children are exposed. We present results of measurements and analysis of personal exposure to RF-EMF at outdoor and indoor school buildings, at a Spanish school, a place where children and employees spend a significant time period and are exposed to RF-EMF. The highest exposure levels were recorded inside school buildings during the week, and around the school area during the weekend. Our measurements show that levels of RF-EMF intensity from Wi-Fi band registered around school area are affected by Wi-Fi from neighbors of residential areas. Exposure levels from Wi-Fi band and mobile phone antennas are below reference levels established by international guidelines.

Keywords

• Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF)
• Wi-Fi
• personal exposure
• spot measurements
• outside and inside school