Exposure assessment of mobile phone base station radiation in an outdoor environment using sequential surrogate modeling

Abstract

Human exposure to background radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has been increasing with the introduction of new technologies. There is a definite need for the quantification of RF-EMF exposure but a robust exposure assessment is not yet possible, mainly due to the lack of a fast and efficient measurement procedure. In this article, a new procedure is proposed for accurately mapping the exposure to base station radiation in an outdoor environment based on surrogate modeling and sequential design, an entirely new approach in the domain of dosimetry for human RF exposure. We tested our procedure in an urban area of about 0.04 km(2) for Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology at 900 MHz (GSM900) using a personal exposimeter. Fifty measurement locations were sufficient to obtain a coarse street exposure map, locating regions of high and low exposure; 70 measurement locations were sufficient to characterize the electric field distribution in the area and build an accurate predictive interpolation model. Hence, accurate GSM900 downlink outdoor exposure maps (for use in, e.g., governmental risk communication and epidemiological studies) are developed by combining the proven efficiency of sequential design with the speed of exposimeter measurements and their ease of handling.

Response to comments by Beekhuizen et al. on “Exposure assessment of mobile phone base station radiation in an outdoor environment using sequential surrogate modeling”

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The main objective of the study in Aerts et al [2013a] is to conceptualize a new measurementbased methodology for the experimental assessment of RF-EMF exposure in a small to moderately sized outdoor environment. A key strength of the approach taken in Aerts et al

[2013a] is that no prior knowledge is needed about the environment (e.g., accurate location or antenna information of the base stations and transmitters, and building characteristics).

…”

“…In many cases, such information is not available and/or its reliability can not be verified. Within this scope, the work of Aerts et al [2013a] is innovative, and offers competitive results when compared to more sophisticated models. …”

“…The main objective of the study in Aerts et al [2013a] is to conceptualize a new measurementbased methodology for the experimental assessment of RF-EMF exposure in a small to moderately sized outdoor environment. A key strength of the approach taken in Aerts et al…”

“…To this end, the work of Bürgi et al [2008] has also been cited multiple times in Aerts et al [2013a].…”

“…In fact, the availability of this additional information could also be exploited by the sequential surrogate model (SSM) approach in Aerts et al [2013a], as to further reduce the cost of the overall measurement procedure.…”