Do car-mounted mobile measurements used for radio-frequency spectrum regulation have an application for exposure assessments in epidemiological studies?

Prediction of RF-EMF exposure levels in large outdoor areas through car-mounted measurements on the enveloping roads

“…For this study, we used measurements reported in a previous study (Bolte et al, 2016) (in particular, the "RFeye left" measurements).…”

“…The car-mounted measurement system was set up to sample the power density in the two GSM frequency bands along these (ring) routes, as well as along an additional (inner) route selected within each enveloped area (Figures 1-2), while maintaining a maximum speed of 30 km/h. The RFeye performed 8 full sweeps every 2 s, and was set to record in standard instantaneous peak mode as used by the Radiocommunications Agency (RCA) during spectrum regulation measurements, which means that it retains the maximum value out of the 8 sweeps (Bolte et al, 2016). The circular routes were driven at least twice (in both directions), while the inner route was covered only once.…”

“…This study continues the effort of Bolte et al (2016) and investigates, for the first time, the RF-EMF exposure related information that can be deduced for an arbitrary geographical area based on measurements on the roads encircling the area. To achieve this, we interpolated the RF exposure in five distinct (sub)urban areas using car measurement data collected along the (semi-)closed loops encircling the areas and validated the results with analogous measurements on a street grid within the area.…”

“…For example, Bolte et al (2016) have shown that, although initially built with the purpose of spectrum regulation (CFRS Ltd., 2009;Schiphorst and Slump, 2010), the mobile measurement systems used by the Radiocommunications Agency in the Netherlands, which consists of spectrum analysers with external antennas mounted on cars, are capable of accurately measuring RF exposure over large geographic areas in a relatively short time, potentially making them a suitable tool for large-scale RF-EMF exposure assessment. They found that exposure assessments through car-mounted measurements are at least similar in quality to assessments involving exposure modelling and better than those involving body worn exposimeter data due to the absence of the body shielding effect.…”

“…However, recently, various mobile measurement systems have been tested (Bolte et al, 2016;Estenberg and Augustsson, 2014;Tell and Kavet, 2014). For example, Bolte et al (2016) have shown that, although initially built with the purpose of spectrum regulation (CFRS Ltd., 2009;Schiphorst and Slump, 2010), the mobile measurement systems used by the Radiocommunications Agency in the Netherlands, which consists of spectrum analysers with external antennas mounted on cars, are capable of accurately measuring RF exposure over large geographic areas in a relatively short time, potentially making them a suitable tool for large-scale RF-EMF exposure assessment.…”