Evaluation of radiofrequency and extremely low-frequency field levels at children's playground sites in Greece from 2013 to 2018

Bioelectromagnetics · 2019 · No effect · Moderate evidence

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No effectModerate evidencePaper 1697

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2019

Study typeexposure_assessment

Reported directionNo effect

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Evaluation of radiofrequency and extremely low-frequency field levels at children's playground sites in Greece from 2013 to 2018 Maria Christopoulou M, Karabetsos E. Evaluation of radiofrequency and extremely low-frequency field levels at children's playground sites in greece from 2013 to 2018. Bioelectromagnetics. Published online September 20, 2019. doi.org Abstract From 2013 to 2018, in-situ measurements of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) and extremely low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields in 317 existing and under-construction children's playground facilities, in 16 municipalities all over Greece, were carried out by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE). These measurements were conducted following legislative framework established in 2009, which requires that compliance with the established exposure limits for EMFs should be verified in playground areas. The results are presented by the value of the electric field (E) and exposure ratio (Λ) for the RF EMF, as well as the value of the electric field (E) and magnetic flux density (B) for the ELF electric and magnetic fields. Statistical analysis tools were applied on measurement data and conclusions have been made, taking into consideration: (i) environment type (urban/suburban), and (ii) vicinity to any transmitting installations. Measurement results correspond to the typical EMF background levels for each environment type. Concerning the environment type, RF EMF, and ELF electric/magnetic field measurements reveal no differentiation between urban and suburban environments. Conclusion In conclusion, the aim of this work was to analyze in-situ measurements of RF EMF and ELF electric and magnetic fields in 317 existing and under-construction playground facilities, conducted from 2013 to 2018. Concerning the environment type, RF EMF measurements reveal no differentiation between urban and suburban environments. Higher E‐field values, e.g., 1.66 V/m for urban environment, are due to the proximity of the playground facilities to base stations. Concerning ELF measurements, median values for magnetic flux density did not differ within environment types and were kept at 0.14 μΤ. Selected high‐measurement values in suburban environments may be due to a larger number of low- and medium-voltage power distribution network facilities located near the playground sites. Based on both measurement datasets, RF and ELF field levels were found even lower than typical background levels in urban/suburban environments. This study is in line with the international literature's findings, confirming the children's exposure levels in urban and suburban environments. Although spot measurements provide overestimation of RF exposure levels compared to personal dosimeters' data [Gallastegi et al., 2018], EEAE intends to correlate this study's findings with personal dosimeters' data and schedule national epidemiological investigations, in order to provide a complete description of the exposure patterns. onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeexposure_assessment

Effect directionno_effect

Populationchildren at playground sites in Greece

Sample size317

ExposureRF and ELF · spot measurements from 2013 to 2018

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 70% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

RF and ELF field levels measured at 317 playgrounds in Greece from 2013 to 2018 were at or below typical background levels for urban and suburban environments. No significant difference was found between urban and suburban sites. Higher RF E-field values were associated with proximity to base stations. ELF magnetic flux density median values were consistent across environments at 0.14 μT.

Outcomes measured

electric field (E) values for RF EMF
exposure ratio (Λ) for RF EMF
electric field (E) and magnetic flux density (B) for ELF fields

Limitations

Spot measurements may overestimate RF exposure compared to personal dosimeters
No direct health outcomes assessed
Exposure assessment limited to playground sites in Greece

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF and ELF",
    "source": "base stations, power distribution network",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "spot measurements from 2013 to 2018"
  },
  "population": "children at playground sites in Greece",
  "sample_size": 317,
  "outcomes": [
    "electric field (E) values for RF EMF",
    "exposure ratio (Λ) for RF EMF",
    "electric field (E) and magnetic flux density (B) for ELF fields"
  ],
  "main_findings": "RF and ELF field levels measured at 317 playgrounds in Greece from 2013 to 2018 were at or below typical background levels for urban and suburban environments. No significant difference was found between urban and suburban sites. Higher RF E-field values were associated with proximity to base stations. ELF magnetic flux density median values were consistent across environments at 0.14 μT.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Spot measurements may overestimate RF exposure compared to personal dosimeters",
    "No direct health outcomes assessed",
    "Exposure assessment limited to playground sites in Greece"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.7,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency electromagnetic fields",
    "extremely low-frequency fields",
    "children",
    "playgrounds",
    "exposure assessment",
    "Greece"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.3,
      "reason": "Exposure assessment in public playgrounds related to environmental EMF exposure."
    },
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.7,
      "reason": "Study relates to compliance with legislative exposure limits and international literature on EMF exposure levels."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.22220
PubMed: Not supplied

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