Experimental analysis of individual EMF exposure for GSM/UMTS/WLAN user devices

Individual exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) originating from a user device when using different services over WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), and UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) technologies in different radio conditions is analyzed. The most common types of traffic were chosen (voice, Skype, web browsing, download, upload, video, audio, TV) and tested in areas of good, medium, and bad radio conditions, per wireless technology. Exposure is evaluated using triggered network reports and external measurements performed in a live network, and also using predetermined simulation results. The analysis shows strong dependence of individual EMF exposure on wireless technology, radio conditions, and service used. For all technologies and services, exposure increased with deterioration of radio conditions, except for file upload over UMTS where in bad radio conditions exposure decreased due to impact of higher layer protocols. GSM technology generated highest exposure in all radio conditions and for all services, except file upload service in good radio conditions where WLAN generated higher exposure. File upload service generated highest exposure for all technologies and radio conditions, except for GSM in good radio conditions where video streaming and voice were ahead.