Radio-electric Governance

Transcription

Layman’s report
Radio-electric Governance:
coordination of electronic
communications and environmental
policies for the rolling out of radio
communication infrastructure
LIFE09 ENV/ES/000505
CONTENTS
1_CONTEXT
Introduction
1
2
3
CONTEXT
RADIO-ELECTRIC GOVERNANCE
RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC
FIELD LEVELS MEASURED IN CATALONIA
4
CONCLUSIONS
5
RECOMMENDATIONS
6
PRESENT AND FUTURE OF
The enormous popularity of mobile telephony in recent years has not only meant
a major technological revolution, but has also produced a highly significant transformation from a social, economic and environmental point of view
Never before in the history of humanity has the appearance of a new technology been so widely
accepted by society in such a short space of time.
Mobile telephony is a radio communication system, like the radio or television, for example. All such
systems use electromagnetic waves to transmit and receive sound, image and data.
Without radio communication systems, today’s society would not be possible.
For decades, society has been able to enjoy radio communication systems such as radio and television
thanks to the installation of antenna towers on mountains. Mobile telephony, however, as it is a bidirectional
radio communication system, needs the antennae to be closer to the users in order to provide quality
voice and data services.
When the first mobile phone antennae were installed in urban environments, they generated a degree of
public concern. This was due, on the one hand, to the visual impact created by certain antenna installations, and on the other hand, to the possible harmful health effects of exposure to the radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields generated by the antennae. Over the years, this has been manifested through public
pressure and complaints, especially to town councils, as they are the level of government closest to the
public. Consequently, the deployment of mobile phone antennae has encountered a series of difficulties.
The European Union collected these public concerns in surveys conducted in 20071 and 20102. The
European Parliament, in Resolution 2008/2211 (INI)3, among other aspects, encouraged service providers,
public authorities and citizens’ associations to find solutions agreed by consensus with respect to the
deployment of antennae. Moreover, in order to guarantee that the public have information in this area, it
called on the Member States to publish maps showing the level of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and recommended that they should be available on the Internet. The same Resolution
also required the European Commission to present an annual report on electromagnetic field exposure
levels in the European Union.
________
1 http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/environment/EMF/ebs272a_en.pdf
2 http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_347_en.pdf
3 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pr/757/757441/757441en.pdf
1
Layman’s report, Radio-electric Governance
1_CONTEXT
1_CONTEXT
Risk perception with respect to mobile phone antennae
Moreover, risk perception among some of the public is one thing and risk perception based on
agreed scientific evidence with a proven cause-and-effect relationship is quite another. Accordingly,
the public’s perception of risks does not often correspond to scientific evidence and conclusions.
As indicated above, the appearance of the first mobile phone antennae in towns and cities generated a
certain amount of concern among some of the public. This was due, on the one hand, to the visual impact
created by certain antenna installations, and on the other hand, to the possible harmful health effects of
exposure to the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields generated by the antennae.
Emissions
When a new technology is first introduced, it comes as no surprise that some of the public will always
perceive it to be a possible health risk. There are precedents such as electricity, street lighting, trains
and, more recently, the use of ultrasound during pregnancy, for example. Undoubtedly, one of the main
reasons for increased risk perception is general ignorance about how the new technology works and
its characteristics.
1. General ignorance about what radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields are, how radio communication systems operate, the regulations
in force, what the scientifically proven effects
of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are (the thermal effect, used by
the microwave ovens, for example), and the
monitoring undertaken on the international
level on other possible harmful health effects.
2. The fact that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields cannot be perceived by the
senses generates even more uncertainty
among the public.
3. The tower is not the antenna. Some antennae
in urban environments are located on large
structures, which may be perceived as a threat,
when, in fact, the antenna only occupies a
small part of the structure.
Proven impact
on health
Public’s risk
perception
Ultraviolet
Radon gas
X-rays
Electromagnetic
fields
X-rays
Radon gas
Ultraviolet
Electromagnetic
fields
-
Evidently, in order to reduce risk perception in relation to ignorance about a specific subject, the most
important factor is information.
In relation to mobile telephony, some of the factors that contribute to the generation of risk perception,
especially concerning mobile phone antennae, are indicated below:
Factors that generate risk perception
-
The main objective of Radio-electric Governance is the provision
of objective and confirmed information in relation to mobile telephony
and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and health
4. The owners of the antennae are mobile telephone operators, which do not have a good
reputation among their users, as they are generally the public’s top complaint as consumers.
With the information that is currently available about the possible effects on the human body, we know
that a body exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (radio, television, mobile telephones and
Wi-Fi, among others) may experience an increase in temperature: this is the so-called thermal effect. This
will depend, however, on the strength, exposure time and part of the body exposed. Hundreds of studies
have also analysed other possible relationships between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic
fields and harmful health effects.
5. In recent years, mistrust has grown in relation
to some public administrations and multinationals and, therefore, in relation to their official positions on exposure to radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields and health.
Numerous international organisations with expertise in this field (ICNIRP4, WHO5 and SCENIHR6, among
others) periodically review the main international studies on these matters. According to their conclusions,
there is currently no conclusive evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship between exposure
to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and harmful health effects, if the exposure levels remain
under the restrictive levels indicated by the ICNIRP in 19987.
When the appearance of mobile phone antennae started to be widespread in cities in the late 1990s, decades had already passed since the introduction of other radio communication services, such as radio and
television, into everyday life without generating much public concern about their health risks. Radio and
television use practically the same technology and frequencies as mobile telephones, but their antennae are
not generally located in urban environments. However, as it is a bidirectional radio communication system,
mobile telephony needs its antennae to be close to the users in order to provide them with quality service.
In 2011, the IARC classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the Group 2B category (possible
carcinogen for human beings)8. Epidemiological evidence was judged to be limited based on an increase
in the risk of gliomas and schwannomas associated with the use of mobile telephones. Limited evidence
means that a positive association has been observed between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and cancer and that a causal interpretation is possible, but it is not possible to rule out with a
reasonable degree of confidence the effect of chance, bias or confounding factors. Consequently, research
programmes are continuing, particularly those focused on exposure over long periods (more than 15 years)
and exposure in children and teenagers.
________
4 International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiaton Protection http://www.icnirp.org/
5 World Health Organisation http://www.who.int
6 Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/
emerging/index_en.htm
7 http://www.icnirp.org/cms/upload/publications/ICNIRPemfgdl.pdf
8 International Agency for Research on Cancer http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/pr208_E.pdf
2
3
1_CONTEXT
1_CONTEXT
Regulations in force in relation to exposure to radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields
The Government of Catalonia’s response until 2009
In Catalonia, electromagnetic emissions generated by radio communication systems must comply with RD 1066/20019, which establishes the restrictive levels of
exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The levels indicated in RD 1066/2001 are the same as those indicated in the Council Recommendation of
12 July 1999 (1999/519/EC)10, which, in turn, match those established by the ICNIRP in 1998. It should
be stated that these restrictive levels of exposure incorporate a safety factor of 50 and that the majority
of the Member States of the European Union apply the same regulations as Catalonia.
The restrictive levels of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields specified in RD 1066/2001 are
directly related to each radio communication system’s transmission frequency:
Frequency range
Service
Restrictive levels (V/m
530 – 1.605 KHz
AM radio
87 - 68
88 – 108 MHz
FM radio
28
470 – 790 MHz
DTT
29 - 38
790 – 2.600 MHz
Mobile phones
38 - 61
2.400MHz i 5.000MHz
Wi-Fi
61
2.450MHz
Microwave ovens
61
3.500MHz i 5.800MHz
WiMAX
61
Aware of the problems generated by the deployment of mobile phone antennae and, therefore, of the
deficiency that this meant for the services that were being offered, the Government of Catalonia took
the initiative to develop various control, planning, regulation and promotion actions. These include:
Acquisition of monitoring equipment to continuously measure the level of the radiofrequency
electromagnetic fields of the mobile phone antennae in the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz
frequency bands (SMRF network of monitoring equipment).
From 2005 to 2009, more than 200 monitoring devices were installed in 184 municipalities throughout
Catalonia. They were deployed in larger numbers in towns with large populations, where, generally,
there are more mobile phone antennae. All the SMRF network devices are installed outdoors and
most of them are on the roofs of buildings: some on the same roof as the antennae and others on
the roofs of neighbouring and/or nearby buildings.
Generation of agreements in relation to the deployment of mobile phone antennae in urban
environments between representatives of town councils, mobile phone operators and the public in
a number of municipalities in Catalonia (GECODIT project).
Preparation of an environmental plan on radio communication infrastructure in rural locations
(POAIR).
Given the positive experience of the development of these actions, in 2009 the Government of Catalonia
decided to take a major leap forward, implementing these actions and incorporating new ones. These
new actions had to be related especially when providing the public and the councils with information in
relation to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and how mobile telephony works.
The distribution of the monitoring equipment of the SMRF network until 2009 is shown below:
Distribution of the monitoring
equipment of the SMRF network
until 2009
Monitoring equipment
________
9 Royal Decree 1066/20016, which establishes the maximum electromagnetic field levels to which the general public may be exposed https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2001/09/29/pdfs/A36217-36227.pdf
10http://ec.europa.eu/health/electromagnetic_fields/docs/emf_rec519_en.pdf
4
5
2_RADIO-ELECTRIC GOVERNANCE
Main actions
In 2009, the Government of Catalonia, through the Directorate-General for
Telecommunications and the Information Society and the Directorate-General
for Environmental Quality, designed the Radio-electric Governance policy, with a
twofold purpose:
1
Ensure that the public has quality voice
and data services in mobile technology
for their social and economic activities.
2
Ensure that the deployment of
mobile phone antennae is sufficient,
organised and respects both people
and the environment.
To implement this policy, in 2009 the Government of Catalonia requested LIFE co-financing from the European Commission to be able to develop the Radio-eclectic Governance project: “Radio-electric
Governance: Environment and Electronic Communications Policies for Deployment of Radiocom Infrastructures”. In 2010, the European Commission approved the co-financing and signed the
Grant Agreement for an initial period of four years (2010-201411), assigning it the project code LIFE09
ES/ENV/000505.
Objective
The main objective of the LIFE Radio-electric Governance project is to provide the public and public
bodies with extensive information related to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and the operation of
radio communication systems, especially mobile telephony.
This objective responds directly to the recommendations of Resolution 2008/2211(INI)12 of the European
Parliament and, moreover, it was reinforced by the public’s demands indicated in the survey conducted
by the Government of Catalonia in 201113 as part of the project, in which more than 60% of the people
surveyed requested more information about these subjects, and 75% preferred this information to be
provided by the Government of Catalonia and health organisations.
In order to achieve this objective, it was decided that a set of actions should be taken within the framework
of the LIFE Radio-electric Governance project. These included
Measure the actual level of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Catalonia.
Inform the public of the levels measured, in addition to providing extensive information about these
matters through a public website.
Measure the actual level of exposure to electromagnetic fields
Through the installation of 100 monitoring devices to continuously measure the
level of exposure to electromagnetic fields in addition to measurements taken with
50 portable devices issued to various public bodies in Catalonia
Acquisition of 100 monitoring devices to continuously measure the electromagnetic field level
These 100 devices were installed in the open air at fixed locations during the entire project, generally close
to antenna sites. 90 of the 100 devices are powered by solar panels and the other 10 are smaller, more
compact devices that are powered with an electrical connection.
The 100 monitoring devices measure the level of the various types of electromagnetic fields.
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields:
45 devices exclusively measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the
900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz mobile phone frequency bands, including
the 10 compact devices.
49 devices measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the entire
frequency band from 100 kHz to 8 GHz.
High-voltage cable electric and magnetic fields:
Six measure the electric and magnetic field level from high-voltage power cables.
These 100 devices complement the more than 200 monitoring devices of the SMRF network and have
enabled the determination of the various areas of exposure around the mobile phone antennae, especially
in urban environments, as well as the appreciation of variations in the radiofrequency electromagnetic field
exposure level at a single point throughout the project.
The majority of the 100 devices were installed in some of the largest cities in Catalonia (Barcelona, Tarragona, Lleida, Girona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sabadell, Terrassa, Mataró, Badalona and Sant Cugat
del Vallès) and in environments close to major radio communication centres in Catalonia:
Geographic distribution
of monitoring equipment
Implement methodologies in relation to the deployment of mobile phone antennae agreed by the
various parties involved.
________
11 The initial end date of the project was 31 August 2014. In 2014, an extension to 30 September 2015 was requested and LIFE project monitoring equipment
approved by the European Commission
12 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pr/757/757441/757441en.pdf
13 http://governancaradioelectrica.gencat.cat/documents/10180/51436/inf_CTTI_20111107_def_CA_EN.pdf
6
Previous monitoring equipment
7
Acquisition of 50 portable monitoring devices to measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic
field level
Inform the public: the Radio-electric Governance public website
The 50 portable devices were issued to Catalan public bodies (mainly town councils) so they could take
measurements in their municipalities. These portable devices measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic
field level in the entire frequency band from 100 kHz to 8 GHz.
The creation of the Radio-electric Governance website has allowed the public to consult the electromagnetic field levels measured by both the monitoring equipment and the portable devices provided. Extensive information is also provided on what electromagnetic fields are and how mobile phones work (in an
interactive explanatory section), as well as current regulations and the main international studies analysing
possible links between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and harmful health effects.
The public bodies to which the portable devices were given were selected in accordance with geographic
distribution and population criteria, taking into account the existence of difficulties related to their deployment:
http://radioelectricgovernance.gencat.cat
Public bodies
provided with
portable devices
Project
Dissemination
Questions
Regulations
Reports
General information
related to the LIFE
Radio-electric
Governance project.
Interactive section
on electromagnetic
fields, the operation of
mobile telephony and
safety around mobile
phone antennae.
Provides answers to
the most frequently
asked questions on
mobile telephony and
electromagnetic fields.
Shows the regulations
in force in Catalonia in
relation to the restrictive
levels of exposure, in
addition to European and
international regulations.
Gives the main
international studies
analysing possible
links between
electromagnetic
fields and harmful
health effects.
Duration of provision
Provided from November 2012 to June 2015 (19)
Provided from November 2012 to March 2014 (28)
Ceded from April 2014 to June 2015 (27)
Provided to the Catalan Rangers Corps (6)
The measurements taken with the portable devices complemented those taken with the monitoring
equipment, as thanks to their portability it was possible to:
Take interior and exterior measurements at various sites: nurseries, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, nursing and care homes, hospitals, etc.
Verify that, in the majority of cases, the interior levels are usually lower than the exterior ones,
because walls, ceilings and other structures lessen the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level.
In 2014, portable devices were given to the Catalan Rangers Corps with the aim of measuring the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level around the radio communication infrastructure in service in rural
locations (some 1,500 sites). This infrastructure generally provides radio communication services that
are different to mobile telephony (AM and FM radio, DTT and WiMAX, among others) and are generally
located further away from population centres.
8
Monitoring equipment
Portable devices
It shows the location, the last value measured and
a graph of the levels measured in the last 30 days.
Shows the various sites where measurements
have been taken (nurseries, schools, primary care
centres, hospitals, nursing and care homes, private
residences…) in addition to the levels measured.
9
3_RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
LEVELS MEASURED IN CATALONIA
Other significant actions
GECODIT project
Methodologies to generate agreement in the deployment of mobile phone antennae in urban environments
have been applied in a number of municipalities in Catalonia, bringing together representatives of councils,
mobile telephone operators and the public.
Publication of reports on the radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure level
in Catalonia
Levels measured with monitoring equipment
As indicated above, the 100 monitoring units acquired with the LIFE co-financing complemented the
existing SMRF network of monitoring devices.
With the 100 acquired monitoring units, 98% of the SMRF network monitoring units measure the
radiofrequency electromagnetic field level:
Eighty-four per cent of the SMRF network devices only measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic
field level from mobile phone antennae in the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz frequency bands.
Based on the radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels measured with the monitoring equipment and
the measurements taken with the portable devices, annual reports were created and disseminated in
201314 and 201415, showing the levels of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Catalonia.
Fourteen per cent of the SMRF network units measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field
level in the entire frequency band from 100 kHz to 8 GHz (broadband). Therefore, in addition to the
current mobile phone frequency bands, they also measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field
level from other radio communication systems such as AM and FM radio, DTT, Wi-Fi and WiMAX.
The measured levels indicated on the following graphs are related to 98% of the SMRF network units,
that is, those that measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level.
As the majority of the SMRF network monitoring units (84%) measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic
field level in the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz mobile phone frequency bands, when the levels
measured are compared with the restricitive level permitted in the regulations for the general public, the
most restrictive level of these 3 frequency bands is used. Therefore, as indicated in the table in the section
on regulations, this level is 41 V/m and corresponds to the 900 MHz band.
Accordingly, the number of monitoring devices of the SMRF network that measure the radiofrequency
electromagnetic field level (98%) is shown in relation to the average level measured in the period from
January 2013 to September 2015:
Number of devices / 320 in total
ALL THE LEVELS MEASURED WITH THE
MONITORING EQUIPMENT WERE LOWER THAN
THE RESTRICTIVE LEVELS INDICATED IN THE
REGULATIONS AND CAN BE CONSULTED ON
THE RADIO-ELECTRIC GOVERNANCE WEBSITE
134
41,9 %
116
36,3 %
46
14,4 %
________
14 http://governancaradioelectrica.gencat.cat/documents/10180/51436/Informe%20anual%202013%20exposici%C3%B3%20
CEM%20de%20radiofreq%C3%BC%C3%A8ncia%20a%20Catalunya_DEF%2006-06-2014_EN_v2.pdf
15 http://governancaradioelectrica.gencat.cat/web/guest/noticies/-/asset_publisher/zYiw0KHhFIWk/content/
informe-2014/maximized?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fgovernancaradioelectrica.gencat.cat%2Fweb%2F
guest%2Fnoticies%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_zYiw0KHhFIWk%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnor
mal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-1%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D2
10
V/m
Fewer than 1
1 to 3
3 to 6
20
3
0
1
0
6,2 %
0,9 %
0,0%
0,3 %
0,0%
6 to 10*
10 to 15*
15 to 20
20 to 25*
More than 25
* The highest levels measured correspond to measurements taken just a few metres from mobile phone, AM radio, FM radio and/or
DTT antennae.
11
Comparison of the levels measured in the 2013-2015 period
Some uses of the 100 monitoring devices
The monitoring devices of the SMRF network are installed at fixed points. Thanks to the locations strategically chosen for the installation of the monitoring equipment acquired with the LIFE co-financing and the
previously existing monitoring devices of the SMRF network, it has been possible to detect the evolution
of the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level measured at the installation points of the equipment, and
therefore, generally extrapolate the results.
Devices that measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz
and 2,100 MHz mobile phone frequency bands:
The comparison of the average radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels measured from January 2013
to September 2015 by the SMRF network monitoring devices is shown below:
Number of devices / 270 in total
September 2015 average
2,06 V/m
~3%
V/m
50
2015 annual
increase
Reference level for mobile phones with a frequency of 900 MHz
2015 start average
2,00 V/m
40
2014 annual
increase
30
~9%
20
10
2014 start average
1,82 V/m
2013 average 2014 average
2013 average
2014 average
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
0
2015 average
2013 annual
increase
Period from January 2013 to September 2015
Monthly comparison of the levels measured in the
900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz frequency bands
Devices that measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the entire frequency
band from 100 kHz to 8 GHz:
~9%
2013 start average
1,66 V/m
As the graph shows, the trend is a slight increase in the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level, approximately 9% per year in 2013 and 2014, due to the installation of new mobile phone antennae, and falling
a bit in 2015 (3%, spanning only the period from January to September). Notwithstanding, it is evident
that the average levels continue to be much lower than the restrictive levels indicated in the regulations
for the 900-MHz mobile phone frequency band (41 V/m).
12
Compact device
Devices that measure the electric and magnetic field level of electricity lines:
13
Levels measured with portable devices
The number of measurements taken with portable devices with respect to the levels measured is shown
below:
Fifty portable radiofrequency electromagnetic field level measuring devices have been provided to different
public bodies in Catalonia: town and regional councils and the Catalan Ranger Corps.
Number of measurements in urban and rural locations
9.820
These portable devices measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the entire frequency
band from 100 kHz to 8 GHz (broadband). Therefore, in addition to the current mobile telephone frequency
bands, they also measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level from other radio communication
systems such as AM and FM radio, DTT, Wi-Fi and WiMAX.
As the portable devices measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the entire band of
frequencies from 100 kHz to 8 GHz, when the levels measured are compared with the restrictive level
permitted in the regulations for the general public, the most restrictive level of these 3 frequency bands
is used. Therefore, as indicated in the table in the section on regulations, this level is 28 V/m and corresponds to the FM radio band.
The portable devices given to the town and regional councils were used to take measurements at sites in
urban locations, especially so-called ‘sensitive sites’, that is, nurseries, pre-schools, primary and secondary
schools, primary care centres, hospitals, nursing and care homes and public parks.
THE PORTABLE DEVICES MEASURED THE EXPOSURE LEVEL AT MORE THAN 4,500
DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, TAKING MORE THAN 13,000 MEASUREMENTS
The summary of the measurements taken with the portable devices provided is shown below, indicating
the number of measurements and the average and maximum levels measured at each type of site:
Kindergartens
Outdoor measurements
Indoor measurements
Pre-school and primary schools
Indoor measurements
Compulsory secondary schools
Indoor measurements
Primary care centres
Indoor measurements
Hospitals
Indoor measurements
Nursing and care homes
Indoor measurements
Private homes
Indoor measurements
Public parks
Indoor measurements
Other
Indoor measurements
Total
14
Number of sites
measured
Number of
measurements
Average level
measured (V/m)
Maximum level
measured (V/m)
372
372
1.148
553
595
2.563
1.153
1.410
1.362
527
835
638
249
389
294
90
204
910
339
571
892
364
528
645
644
1
4.945
3.818
1.127
0,23
0,30
0,17
0,34
0,46
0,24
0,31
0,40
0,26
0,21
0,31
0,15
0,56
0,56
0,56
0,30
0,43
0,22
0,80
1,18
0,54
0,44
0,44
0,15
0,59
0,69
0,28
3,75
2,69
3,75
5,91
5,91
3,35
4,84
2,85
4,84
3,21
3,21
2,73
5,75
5,04
5,75
6,21
6,21
4,25
16,54
16,25
16,54
3,40
3,40
0,15
20,01
20,01
10,28
4.598
13.397
0,45
622
312
227
50
262
342
369
2.042
2.207
832
V/m
Menys d’1
Urban locations
301
Entre 1 i 3
100
80
Entre 3 i 6
17
12
Entre 6 i 10*
11
17
Entre 10 i 25*
0
0
Més de 25
Rural locations
* The highest levels measured correspond to measurements taken just a few metres from mobile phone, AM radio, FM radio and/or
DTT antennae.
Measurements in urban locations
10,780 measurements were taken at 3,418 sites located in urban locations, mainly at sites where people
are likely to remain for some time. Accordingly, for example, apart from the so-called ‘sensitive sites’,
892 measurements were taken in 342 residences, in response to requests made directly by the public.
With the portable devices, it was also possible to measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level
inside and outside the measured sites. Accordingly, it has been detected that at the majority of the 3,418
sites measured in urban locations, the levels measured indoors are 9 to 78% lower than the levels measured outdoors, because the walls and ceilings of the buildings lessen the signal.
The highest levels measured in urban locations were at sites in the immediate surroundings of antenna sites
for both mobile telephony and FM radio. So, for example, the highest level in urban locations (17.68 V/m)
corresponds to a measurement taken just a few metres from FM radio antennae, where 90% of the measured level corresponds to FM radio services and the remaining 10% to mobile telephony and DTT services.
Measurements in rural locations
In 2014, portable devices were provided to the Catalan Rangers Corps in order to measure radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels in the vicinity of radio communication infrastructures in rural locations
(some 1,500 sites). The sites measured in rural locations are included in the Others type in the table on
the previous page.
A total of 2,617 measurements were taken around the 1,180 radio communication sites in rural locations.
All the measurements were taken outdoors and up to a maximum distance of 200 metres from the sites.
The highest level measured with the portable devices (20.01 V/m) corresponds, in fact, to a measurement
taken in rural locations, a few metres from one of Catalonia’s major radio broadcasting centres, where
95% of the measured level corresponds to FM radio and DTT services.
15
ALL THE LEVELS MEASURED WITH THE PORTABLE DEVICES WERE LOWER
THAN THE RESTRICTIVE LEVELS INDICATED IN THE REGULATIONS AND
CAN BE CONSULTED ON THE RADIO-ELECTRIC GOVERNANCE WEBSITE
Some of the measurements taken in urban locations:
4_CONCLUSIONS
Measured radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels
ALL THE LEVELS MEASURED, WITH BOTH THE MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND
THE PORTABLE DEVICES, WERE LOWER THAN THE RESTRICTIVE LEVELS
INDICATED IN THE REGULATIONS
Throughout the duration of the project, millions of measurements were taken with the monitoring equipment
and thousands with the portable devices. This enormous quantity of measurements has enabled a number
of conclusions to be drawn in relation to the level of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields:
The measured level is directly related to the location of the closest antennas. Specifically, to:
•the distance from the measurement site with respect to the antennae,
•the height of the measurement site with respect to the antennae,
•whether the measurement site is located in an area located in the direction of maximum emission of one or more of the antennae,
•the number of antennae there are at the same site,
•the range of frequencies of the measured radiofrequency electromagnetic field.
Accordingly, the highest levels of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields were measured just a few metres from mobile phones, AM or FM radio or DTT antennae, at a similar height
and in the maximum emission direction of one or more of them.
Some of the measurements taken in rural locations:
Therefore, outside the immediate surroundings of the antennae, the majority of the measured
levels are very low, because generally the sites measured are located further away, lower than the
antennae and without a direct view of them.
The levels of the interior measurements are generally 9 to 78% lower than the exterior measurements, because the walls and ceilings of the buildings lessen the signal.
With the monitoring equipment there has been a slight average increase of 9% per year since 2013
in the radiofrequency electromagnetic field level in the mobile telephone frequency bands, even
though it is much lower than the restrictive levels indicated in the regulations
16
17
4_CONCLUSIONS
4_CONCLUSIONS
Areas of exposure around an antenna
Participation of the town and regional councils
The signals transmitted by radio communication systems are electromagnetic waves that travel in a
straight line at the speed of light. The signal is strongest near the antenna and in the direction of maximum
transmission and nowhere else, while it rapidly decreases the further away one is from the antenna. It
decreases even more when it goes through walls, ceilings and/or other obstacles.
Through their participation in the project, the representatives of the town and regional councils obtained
extensive knowledge about these subjects, allowing them to respond to the public’s concerns. Among
other aspects:
The millions of measurements taken with the monitoring equipment and the thousands with the portable
devices have enabled the determination of five different areas of exposure in the area surrounding an antenna:
The portable devices enabled the measurement of the actual radiofrequency electromagnetic field
level in their municipalities.
The levels are, generally, much lower than the restrictive levels indicated in the regulations, allowing
them to give reassuring responses.
They can direct the public to the Radio-electric Governance public website to consult the levels
measured in their municipalities and in the rest of Catalonia, in addition to being able to consult
extensive information related to electromagnetic fields and the operation of mobile telephony.
The town and regional councils that participated in the project considered it to be a positive experience.
Accordingly,
1
2
3
Outdoor measurement
•Up to 3 or 4 metres from the antenna
•At the same height
•In the maximum emission direction
• Zone inaccessible for people
•High levels, the only ones that could
exceed the maximum permitted levels
in the regulations
Outdoor measurement
• Up to 10 metres from the antenna
• At a lower height
• In the maximum emission direction
• Areas accessible by people but with little traffic
• The levels are lower than the maximum
permitted levels indicated in the regulations
Indoor measurement
• Within the building where the antenna
is installed
• The antenna does not point to any
of these spaces
• The ceilings and walls of the building
significantly lessen the signal
• The levels are very low
18
4
5
Outdoor measurement
• More than 10 metres from the antenna
• Buildings near the antenna
• The antenna does not point directly
at any of these spaces because it would
lose efficiency
• The levels are low
Indoor measurement
• More than 10 metres from the antenna
• Buildings near the antenna
• The antenna does not point directly
at any of these spaces because it would lose efficiency
• The ceilings and walls of the building
significantly lessen the signal
• The levels are very low
98%
98%
100%
consider having been
able to use a portable
measuring device to be
useful or very useful.
consider the fact there are monitoring
units carrying out continuous
measurements in their municipalities
to be useful or very useful.
consider that the Radio-electric
Governance website is useful
or very useful to provide
responses to these subjects.
Citizens’ opinions following taking of measurements
At many of the sites where measurements were taken with the portable devices in urban locations, a small
survey was conducted with the manager and/or owner of the measured site. The aim was to discern to
what extent public concern had been lessened once the measurements had been taken. They were shown
the measured levels in comparison with the restrictive levels indicated in the regulations and, therefore,
how much lower the level of exposure of the measurements was. One thousand surveys were answered
and the results were as follows:
44.3%
33.3%
No longer
concerned
Less concerned
than before
77.6% indicated that their
concern had lessened once they
knew the measured levels.
13.9%
8.5%
Still
concerned
More concerned
than before
Even though in 80% of the cases
the average measured levels
were less than 1 V/m.
19
5_RECOMMENDATIONS
6_PRESENT AND FUTURE OF
Given the experience of the actions performed in the Radio-electric Governance project, especially in relation to the measured levels, and the relationship maintained throughout the duration of the project with the
various representatives of the town and regional councils, mobile telephone operators and the public, below
is a set of recommendations to achieve the twofold objective of the project:
1
Ensure that the public has quality voice
and data services in mobile technology
for their social and economic activities.
2
Ensure that the deployment of
mobile phone antennae is sufficient,
organised and respects both people
and the environment.
The project in figures
Start date
01.09.2010
End date
30.09.2015
MonitEM
Installation of
100 monitoring
devices
More than
3,000,000
EMF*
measurements
Therefore:
It is essential to intensify collaboration between representatives of town councils, mobile telephone
operators and the public, with the aim of generating a climate of mutual trust. The various parties
must be able to express, with the maximum level of transparency, their needs and concerns in order
to achieve a consensus in relation to the deployment of mobile phone antennae.
Provision of
50 portable
devices
4,598
3,397
66
8
300
sites
measured
EMF*
measurements
town
councils
regional
councils
Rangers
More than
110.000
600
pages
viewed
documents
downloaded
In order to reduce the level of exposure in the immediate surroundings of antennae in zones where
there may be people, the operators should incorporate the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and ALATA (As Low As Technologically Achievable) concepts. Therefore:
•Antennae should be proportionally and homogeneously distributed throughout
the municipality, especially in urban environments.
• The orientation of antennae to the closest spaces where there may be people
should be minimised.
• Antennae should be located at the top of the structures where they are installed.
Radio-electric
Governance
website
26,000
visits (10%
international)
Antennae and their associated equipment should be integrated into the environment, as much as
reasonably possible, in order to reduce their visual impact.
* EMF: (Radiofrequency) Electromagnetic fields
The public administrations and institutions responsible for these matters should provide the town
and regional councils with tools and information.
Continuity of the LIFE Radio-electric Governance project
The public should be provided with information and specific informative campaigns should be
implemented with maximum objectivity and transparency in order to create a climate of trust.
Given the excellent experience and the positive response of all the participating agents, the
Government of Catalonia guarantees the continuity of the main actions included in the project:
Possible amendments to the legislation in force should follow exclusively agreed, scientific criteria
and not be based on any other types of decisions.
The SMRF network of monitoring devices to measure the radiofrequency electromagnetic
field level.
Public administrations should propose sites that are suitable for installing mobile phone antennae,
as the Government of Catalonia has done with Government Agreement GOV/126/2015.
The provision of portable devices to Catalonia’s public bodies.
The actions included in the LIFE Radio-electric Governance project,
in addition to its conclusions and recommendations, are easily
replicable in other regions and countries in the European Union
and are directly related to the indications of Resolution 2008/2211 (INI)
of the European Parliament.
20
The consolidation of the Radio-electric Governance website as the main reference of the
Government of Catalonia for government agencies and the public on these matters.
Creation of reports with conclusions and recommendations in addition to the continuity of
the publication of annual reports on the level of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in Catalonia.
21

Radio-electric Governance

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