Radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure assessment at a nuclear facility: safety monitoring and public
The widespread adoption of 5G technology has brought numerous benefits; however, it has also raised public concerns regarding potential health risks associated with exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). To address these concerns, this study evaluated RF-EMF levels at the Malays...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2025
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26521/1/SSS%2014.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26521/ https://www.ukm.my/jsm/english_journals/vol54num11_2025/contentsVol54num11_2025.html |
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| Summary: | The widespread adoption of 5G technology has brought numerous benefits; however, it has also raised public concerns regarding potential health risks associated with exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). To address these concerns, this study evaluated RF-EMF levels at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) to ensure compliance with international safety standards. A key standard examined was the guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP 2020). To conduct the assessment, a NARDA broadband area monitor was used to measure the RF-EMF electric field strength (E) at eight primary locations within Nuclear Malaysia over 24 h. NARDA is a brand of Narda Safety Test Solutions (Narda STS), a global leader in developing and manufacturing measurement technology for RF-EMF. Data was gathered at six-minute intervals, resulting in 240 measurement points per site. These measurements were compared to the public exposure limit of 36.38 V/m at the 700 MHz frequency band. The results showed that all recorded RF-EMF levels were below the established safety thresholds. The study found a significant correlation between location and exposure levels; laboratory blocks (Block 11) recorded the lowest readings, while administrative offices, near the external telecommunication mast (Block 28), had the highest readings. The maximum exposure measured at Block 28 represented only 3.88% of the ICNIRP (2020) guidelines limit at 1.41 V/m. Additionally, these findings indicated that workers and the public faced minimal risk due to safe RF-EMF exposure levels at Nuclear Malaysia. Consequently, the transparent communication of these results can help improve public confidence in 5G technology within sensitive environments. This study also effectively presented the inaugural empirical mapping of RF-EMF exposure in a Malaysian nuclear research facility through real-time monitoring and public safety assessments. The overall process offers several benefits, including safeguarding public health, promoting responsible growth of digital infrastructure, and providing a scalable model for environmental safety. |
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