Study measures low level radiofrequency fields from small cell mobile base stations

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This is a measurement study of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure around small cell base station sites. With the proliferation of new mobile technology to meet increased demand, small cells play an important role in high density urban areas. The paper reported that measurements were conducted at 295 positions around 98 small cell sites in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. The measured exposure levels were then compared with exposure guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the results of other EMF surveys. The maximum EMF exposure recorded was less than 4% of the ICNIRP general public limit. These results were in agreement with other surveys.

Measurement of EMF exposure around small cell base station sites

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ARPANSA has conducted similar measurements around macro mobile phone base stations and published the results on the ARPANSA website. In 2017, ARPANSA published a study assessing the RF EMF exposure level due to Wi-Fi in Australian schools. Exposure levels from other RF sources such as mobile phone base stations, radio, and TV broadcasts were also measured. Overall, the exposure levels from all RF sources measured were much lower than the public exposure limits in the Australian RF standard.

This exposure study by Wyk et al. is one of few studies that have been performed around small cell base station sites. These sites are predominantly deployed inside shopping centres, on street lamp posts, bus stops etc. which improves capacity and coverage. As the small cell sites are widely visible and closer to sensitive areas, there has been increased concern from the general public regarding the EMF exposure from these sites, which this study has attempted to address. Small cell sites, which transmit less power have also been proposed as a possible replacement for macro base stations in future 5G network infrastructure, which will require a high base station density. Overall, the paper reported that the measured exposure levels were much lower than the Australian and international general public exposure limits.

Finally, it is noted that an internationally approved measurement protocol was used in this study and the measurements were conducted during the busiest time of the day while steps were taken to minimise interference to the measurement instruments.