A Model for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Predictions at Outdoor and Indoor Locations in the Context of Epidemiological Research

作者：Buergi Alfred; Frei Patrizia; Theis Gaston; Mohler Evelyn; Braun Fahrlaender Charlotte; Froehlich Juerg; Neubauer Georg; Egger Matthias; Roeoesli Martin

来源：Bioelectromagnetics, 2010, 31(3): 226-236.

DOI：10.1002/bem.20552

• non-ionizing radiation
• exposure assessment
• electromagnetic fields
• exposure model
• mobile phone
• mobile communication base station
• broadcast transmitter
• epidemiology

We present a geospatial model to predict the radiofrequency electromagnetic field from fixed site transmitters for use in epidemiological exposure assessment. The proposed model extends an existing model toward the prediction of indoor exposure, that is, at the homes of potential study participants. The model is based on accurate operation parameters of all stationary transmitters of mobile communication base stations, and radio broadcast and television transmitters for an extended urban and suburban region in the Basel area (Switzerland). The model was evaluated by calculating Spearman rank correlations and weighted Cohen's kappa (kappa) statistics between the model predictions and measurements obtained at street level, in the homes of volunteers, and in front of the windows of these homes. The correlation coefficients of the numerical predictions with street level measurements were 0.64, with indoor measurements 0.66, and with window measurements 0.67. The kappa coefficients were 0.48 (95%-confidence interval: 0.35-0.61) for street level measurements, 0.44 (95%-CI: 0.32-0.57) for indoor measurements, and 0.53 (95%-CI: 0.42-0.65) for window measurements. Although the modeling of shielding effects by walls and roofs requires considerable simplifications of a complex environment, we found a comparable accuracy of the model for indoor and outdoor points. Bioelectromagnetics 31:226-236, 2010.

• 出版日期2010-4