Systematic Review of Exposure Studies to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields: Spot Measurements and Mixed Methodologies
Raquel Ramírez-Vázquez, Isabel Escobar, Enrique Arribas Garde, Guy A. E. Vandenbosch
Abstract
This work presents a review and evaluation of studies measuring exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF). The review meets the basic quality criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines after the eligibility criteria of the PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, and Outcome) methodology and the instrument Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español (CASPe). A total of 86 papers published between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2023 are included: 61 studies with spot measurements and 25 studies with mixed methodologies (spot measurements, personal measurements with volunteers or with a trained researcher and prediction models) are highlighted. Forty-three percent of the studies use Spectrum Analyzers in the spot measurements, mainly the Narda SRM–3006, followed by the Narda SRM-3000, highlighting the introduction and use of Sensors for this kind of study. The minimum mean value was measured in Palestine at 0.0600 µW/m2, and the maximum mean value was measured in Norway at 200,000 µW/m2. The RF-EMF exposure levels measured in the different microenvironments are minimal and far from the maximum levels established by the ICNIRP guidelines.