Electrosmog Measure the mobile radiation yourself with your own mobile phone

A new mobile application has emerged in Switzerland that allows users to measure their exposure to mobile phone radiation directly using their smartphones. The app, called Etain 5G-Scientist, was developed as part of a European Union research project and provides insights into how much radiofrequency radiation individuals absorb from both surrounding base stations and their personal devices. This tool marks the first time such detailed information on mobile network radiation can be accessed by the general public, offering a unique perspective on everyday exposure levels. The app does not measure radiation directly but estimates exposure based on signal strength from nearby antennas. It calculates the level of radiation absorbed when a user holds their phone to their ear during calls. According to Martin Röösli, a professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Basel and one of the developers of the app, the results align well with professional measurements. However, measuring radiation accurately remains challenging due to variations in data usage, distance from antennas, and other factors. To simplify this complexity, the app focuses primarily on the signals from the user's own mobile provider, while the overall map includes all providers over time. The app also captures both 5G and 4G signals, which are currently widely used across Europe. Experts consider the exposure from these two standards comparable, despite the newer technology being capable of transmitting larger amounts of data more quickly than its predecessors. In tests conducted in Basel, particularly near the Bachlettenquartier train station area, the findings were striking. Users discovered that the greatest source of radiation exposure came not from the surrounding infrastructure but from their own smartphones when held close to the head. During testing at the Schützenmatte stadium, three antennas were found to emit signals, yet the measured radiation was significantly lower compared to the exposure from holding a smartphone to the ear. According to Röösli, the radiation measured at the stadium was between ten and a hundred times less than the exposure from using a phone near the head. This highlights the significant role that personal device usage plays in daily radiation exposure. Despite the widespread coverage of 5G networks across Switzerland, the actual measured radiation levels remain surprisingly low. Even in areas with poor reception and high exposure from personal devices, the total exposure is within just two percent of the EU’s safety limits. These limits include substantial safety margins, especially in sensitive locations such as residential areas and schools, where stricter regulations apply in Switzerland. The country's extensive antenna network contributes to reduced radiation exposure for many residents, even though they frequently use their phones. The app continues to evolve as more users contribute data, making the maps increasingly detailed. By engaging the public in monitoring their own exposure, the tool fosters greater awareness and understanding of the relationship between mobile technology and health. As the use of the app grows, it is anticipated that further insights will emerge regarding the patterns of radiation exposure across different regions and populations.