Assessing EMF Exposure in Greek Urban and Suburban Areas During 5G Deployment: A Focus on 5G EMF Levels and Distance Correlation

Electronics · 2025 · Unclear · Low evidence

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UnclearLow evidencePaper 2665

Study snapshot

PublicationElectronics · 2025

Study typeexposure_assessment

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Exposure Assessment, Electromagnetic Field Safety Tags: EMF, 5G, exposure, urban, suburban, electric field, base station distance DOI: 10.3390/electronics14081554 URL: mdpi.com Overview This study presents an extensive analysis of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in Greek urban and suburban areas during the ongoing deployment of 5G technology. Researchers conducted a total of 400 in situ measurements of electric field strength at ground level across four distinct regions. Key Elements Explored: - Statistical analysis of overall EMF exposure - Differentiation of contributions from various cellular generations (2G-5G) - Impact investigation of 5G deployment - Correlation between EMF levels (in the 3.5 GHz band) and distance from 5G base stations Findings - 4G networks are the dominant contributors to overall EMF exposure, while 5G's impact is currently limited. - A general inverse correlation was found between EMF levels and distance from base stations, subject to variations due to environmental and line-of-sight factors. - Urban areas exhibited higher electric field levels compared to suburban areas, likely due to higher population density and more base stations. Conclusion Distance from base station antennas remains a crucial predictive factor for AI-based EMF exposure models, including for 5G networks. The study highlights how electric field levels are significantly affected by the proximity to cellular base stations, emphasizing the importance of considering this factor in both public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. Although 5G's overall contribution to EMF exposure is currently minor, the correlation with distance is clear and should not be underestimated when considering health risk assessments related to electromagnetic fields.

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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 directionunclear

PopulationNot supplied

Sample size400

ExposureRF · 3500 MHz

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Across 400 in situ ground-level measurements in four Greek regions, 4G was reported as the dominant contributor to overall EMF exposure while 5G’s contribution was currently limited. Electric field levels in the 3.5 GHz band showed a general inverse correlation with distance from 5G base stations, with variability attributed to environmental and line-of-sight factors; urban areas had higher levels than suburban areas.

Outcomes measured

Electric field strength at ground level
Overall EMF exposure contributions by cellular generation (2G–5G)
Correlation between 3.5 GHz EMF levels and distance from 5G base stations
Urban vs suburban electric field level differences

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "base station",
    "frequency_mhz": 3500,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": 400,
  "outcomes": [
    "Electric field strength at ground level",
    "Overall EMF exposure contributions by cellular generation (2G–5G)",
    "Correlation between 3.5 GHz EMF levels and distance from 5G base stations",
    "Urban vs suburban electric field level differences"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Across 400 in situ ground-level measurements in four Greek regions, 4G was reported as the dominant contributor to overall EMF exposure while 5G’s contribution was currently limited. Electric field levels in the 3.5 GHz band showed a general inverse correlation with distance from 5G base stations, with variability attributed to environmental and line-of-sight factors; urban areas had higher levels than suburban areas.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "EMF",
    "5G",
    "exposure assessment",
    "electric field",
    "base stations",
    "distance correlation",
    "urban",
    "suburban",
    "Greece",
    "3.5 GHz",
    "2G",
    "3G",
    "4G"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.62,
      "reason": "Assesses EMF exposure during 5G deployment and discusses implications for regulatory frameworks."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.3390/electronics14081554
PubMed: Not supplied

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