Conduct of a personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field measurement study: proposed study protocol

Background: The development of new wireless communication
technologies that emit radio frequency electromagnetic fields
(RF-EMF) is ongoing, but little is known about the RF-EMF exposure
distribution in the general population. Previous attempts to
measure personal exposure to RF-EMF have used different measurement
protocols and analysis methods making comparisons between exposure
situations across different study populations very difficult. As a
result, observed differences in exposure levels between study
populations may not reflect real exposure differences but may be in
part, or wholly due to methodological differences. Methods: The aim
of this paper is to develop a study protocol for future personal
RF-EMF exposure studies based on experience drawn from previous
research. Using the current knowledge base, we propose procedures
for the measurement of personal exposure to RF-EMF, data
collection, data management and analysis, and methods for the
selection and instruction of study participants. Results: We have
identified two basic types of personal RF-EMF measurement studies:
population surveys and microenvironmental measurements. In the case
of a population survey, the unit of observation is the individual
and a randomly selected representative sample of the population is
needed to obtain reliable results. For microenvironmental
measurements, study participants are selected in order to represent
typical behaviours in different microenvironments. These two study
types require different methods and procedures. Conclusion:
Applying our proposed common core procedures in future personal
measurement studies will allow direct comparisons of personal
RF-EMF exposures in different populations and study areas.