Everywhere in Europe, the exponential increase in the wireless communication devices goes hand in hand with a perception of risk associated with electromagnetic radiation, despite the protection thresholds in force (1999/519/CE Recommendation and 2013/35/UE Directive). With the deployment of 5G, concerns have been heightened.
The Horizon European program will provide answers to questions and concerns, by studying the possible impact on specific populations such as children and workers. It will step up research on the use of millimeter-wave frequencies and investigate conformity analysis methods in this frequency range. Which will enable changes in exposure to electromagnetic fields to be studied, as well as the contribution of exposure from 5G and new variable beam antennas. It will also examine tools that help assess and communicate risks, and address concerns.
Télécom Paris is partner to one of the four selected programs, SEAWave.
Three partnership categories:
Our collaborations arise primarily from partners such as the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, CEA, ITIS foundation and IMEC as well as IARC and ANFR.
Currently, there are many ongoing projects that assess whether radiofrequency equipment complies with protection thresholds such as those set by ICNIRP. This work is largely based on conservative methods and models. SEAWave will contribute to this approach for millimeter-wave exposure (in vivo and in vitro studies). However, by design, the approach considers worst case scenarios and overestimate exposure levels. At the same time, without under-estimating a conservative approach, it is important to assess actual exposure for a better understanding of possible impact, as in epidemiological studies for instance.
The SEAWave team will be intent on establishing potentially new use patterns, assessing associated exposure levels and comparing them with existing patterns. The program will address monitoring, with the help of innovative technology, not only in the general population but also in specific at-risk groups, such as children and workers.
The project includes 11 work packages (WPs):
Télécom Paris researchers mainly will take part in the 4 WPs on monitoring 5G exposure levels. They will draw on measurement drives in Europe, concerning smart sensor networks and tools derived from artificial neuron networks, as well as, more generally, methods developed thanks to artificial intelligence.
The expected results are in the first instance methods that lead to a better understanding of risk and better assessment of exposure levels from current and future wireless communication networks. All the measurements made will provide comprehensive characterization of exposure for certain populations (children, workers) as a precursor for a European map of radiofrequency exposure.