CREST

Projet Completed
ANSES

CREST project characterizes the exposure to radio frequencies from new mobile sources in the general population, depending on the technology and new uses linked to these technologies.

Project duration

End of the project 2020
  • Project objectives

    In the 1990s, mobile phones were mainly used for voice calls and held close to the head. Much work has been done to characterize this form of exposure. However new technologies and devices has meant rapid change in use: phones, tablets, laptops and other devices are now used to surf the web, download data and send text and video messages. At the same time, new types of networks (WiFi, LTE) and network configurations (FemtoCell) are developing rapidly, resulting in different RF exposure distribution in the population.

    We currently have little information on how mobile communication devices and technologies are used in the population, or their impact on personal exposure to radiofrequency fields. This represents an important limitation on the assessment of exposure in epidemiological studies, as well as potential RF impact on public health.

    The main goal of CREST is therefore to characterize exposure to radio frequencies from new mobile sources (including smart phones, tablets and laptops) in the general population, depending on the technology and new uses linked to these technologies.

  • Search axes

    We have several operational objectives to meet our overarching goal:

    1. Producing a survey of the general population (based on a questionnaire and a smartphone app – XMobiSense) to characterize typical uses (web surfing, voice calls, downloading data, texting, etc.) in different situations (home, work, school, public transport, etc.) and positions (devices held close to head, lap, etc.)
    2. Assessment of the power emitted by various mobile sources, based on existing measurements and tools (test mobile system – TEMS) for different uses (voice calls, on standard or VoIP networks), held close to the head or using speakers or hands-free accessories; data use (3G, LTE, WiFi, FemtoCell);
    3. The assessment of exposure linked to various uses and positions, based on a compilation of existing dosimetric data and additional measurements for specific configurations. Specific dosimetry surveys will be carried out where necessary;
    4. The development of exposure to radiofrequency matrices for various devices, technologies and uses, drawing on data relating to typical uses and the linked derivative exposure as part of the project. These matrices will play an important part in the assessment of exposure in the general population and in epidemiological studies.