Massive assessment of exposure to 5G electromagnetic fields in France: a 5-year synthesis

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: 5G, electromagnetic fields, France, exposure assessment, RF safety, measurement campaign, public health DOI: 10.1007/s12243-025-01142-9 URL: link.springer.com Overview This paper presents the results of a large-scale measurement campaign to assess the impact of 5G deployment on exposure levels in mainland France. The campaign consists of more than 24,000 measurements taken on the ground in direct view of 5G antennas between 2020 and 2024, subdivided into seven phases, in order to closely monitor changes in exposure. - The measurements consist of accredited measurements following the ANFR protocol - Exploratory measurements designed to emulate steerable-beam loading in the 3.5 GHz band - The paper introduces a metric quantifying the rate of 5G usage Findings - At 5G 3500 MHz sites, the broadband exposure level increased by 0.12 V/m on average over the 5-year period - The 3500 MHz band contribution increased by 0.34 V/m on average, reflecting the progressive adoption of 5G - The 3500 MHz band remained a secondary contributor, accounting for only 10% of the main contributors in 2024, far behind historical 800/900 MHz bands - Exposure during a 1 GB download is, on average, four times higher than in idle mode - Median 5G 3500 MHz usage rate of 17% and a mean of 26% - In other 5G bands, exposure increased: +0.15 V/m in 2100 MHz, +0.14 V/m in 700 MHz, where pre-existing 4G signals already dominated Conclusion This unique long-term dataset provides the most extensive 5G exposure assessment published to date under real deployment conditions, quantifying the gradual contribution of 5G to overall exposure. 🔗 Read the full article

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In >24,000 on-ground measurements in mainland France (2020–2024) in direct view of 5G antennas, broadband exposure at 5G 3500 MHz sites increased by 0.12 V/m on average over the 5-year period, and the 3500 MHz band contribution increased by 0.34 V/m on average. The 3500 MHz band remained a secondary contributor in 2024 (10% of main contributors), with historical 800/900 MHz bands contributing more. Exposure during a 1 GB download was on average four times higher than in idle mode; other 5G bands also increased (+0.15 V/m at 2100 MHz; +0.14 V/m at 700 MHz).

Outcomes measured

• On-ground electric field exposure levels (V/m) near 5G antennas
• Broadband exposure level change over time
• Band-specific exposure contributions (e.g., 3500 MHz, 2100 MHz, 700 MHz, 800/900 MHz)
• Exposure difference between idle mode and 1 GB download (steerable-beam loading emulation)
• 5G usage rate metric (median and mean)

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.78)
  Large-scale, long-term assessment of exposure changes associated with 5G deployment (including 3.5 GHz) under real-world conditions.

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    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "base station",
        "frequency_mhz": 3500,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "2020–2024 (5-year measurement campaign)"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": 24000,
    "outcomes": [
        "On-ground electric field exposure levels (V/m) near 5G antennas",
        "Broadband exposure level change over time",
        "Band-specific exposure contributions (e.g., 3500 MHz, 2100 MHz, 700 MHz, 800/900 MHz)",
        "Exposure difference between idle mode and 1 GB download (steerable-beam loading emulation)",
        "5G usage rate metric (median and mean)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In >24,000 on-ground measurements in mainland France (2020–2024) in direct view of 5G antennas, broadband exposure at 5G 3500 MHz sites increased by 0.12 V/m on average over the 5-year period, and the 3500 MHz band contribution increased by 0.34 V/m on average. The 3500 MHz band remained a secondary contributor in 2024 (10% of main contributors), with historical 800/900 MHz bands contributing more. Exposure during a 1 GB download was on average four times higher than in idle mode; other 5G bands also increased (+0.15 V/m at 2100 MHz; +0.14 V/m at 700 MHz).",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "5G",
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "France",
        "exposure assessment",
        "RF safety",
        "measurement campaign",
        "ANFR protocol",
        "3500 MHz",
        "700 MHz",
        "2100 MHz",
        "800/900 MHz",
        "beamforming",
        "usage rate"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
            "reason": "Large-scale, long-term assessment of exposure changes associated with 5G deployment (including 3.5 GHz) under real-world conditions."
        }
    ]
}

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