Electromagnetic fields in the city

Finding out what sources are present in our towns and cities is essential if we want to take control of our own electromagnetic environment.

Electromagnetic fields in the city

The digital transition we are experiencing is at the heart of a societal debate that takes full account of the environmental impact of electromagnetic fields. The digital development of the territory and the infrastructures concerned must therefore be the subject of a management policy that takes environmental health into account. Although less present in our direct environment, energy transmission infrastructures are also part of the problem.

We encounter two main types of electromagnetic field in our territories: high frequency and low frequency. Although they result from the same phenomenon, they are subject to different regulations because their physical properties vary considerably depending on the frequency. Find out how these two types of electromagnetic field are used in our daily lives and the regulatory limits that regulate them.

Groupe de pictogrammes avec antenne TV, téléphone portable, ligne haute tension et signalétique Wi-Fi

Also known as radio frequencies, high frequencies are chosen for their ability to propagate efficiently in the atmosphere, which is very practical when transmitting signals over long distances.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first radio transmissions saw the light of day, but they remained confidential. Radio electromagnetic fields were not yet part of the urban landscape at that time…

Today, technological developments have led to an explosion in the use we make of electromagnetic fields, enabling us to transmit huge quantities of data using devices that are accessible to everyone.

Local and regional authorities are therefore faced with the environmental health issues posed by the deployment of digital infrastructures.

Pictogramme d'une borne Wi-Fi

Regulatory limit of 61 V/m

Wi-Fi terminal – It uses the 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5150 – 5350 MHz frequency bands.

Pictogramme d'une téléphone mobile 4G

Regulatory limit between 30 and 61 V/m

3G or 4G mobile phones – They use frequency bands ranging from 790 MHz to 2690 GHz.

Pictogramme d'une radio

Regulatory limit of 28 V/m

FM transmitters – They use the 87.5 – 108 MHz frequency band.

Pictogramme d'une antenne de télévision

Regulatory limit between 30 and 36 V/m

DTT transmitters – They use the 470 – 694 MHz frequency band.

Unlike radio frequencies, low frequencies propagate very poorly through the air. They do, however, have the ability to carry large quantities of energy when propagated in electrical cables.

This is how RTE carries electricity from the power station to the village entrance and how ENEDIS distributes it from the village entrance to your home.

The infrastructures used in this way generate electromagnetic fields and are prompting the public authorities to make them part of the environmental health issue.

The question even arises for animals in rural areas where very high voltage lines cross farms.

Pictogramme d'une ligne haute tension

Very high voltage lines

Authorised limit of 5000 V/m – 100 μT.

Pictogramme d'un convertisseur électrique

Transformers

Authorised limit of 5000 V/m – 100 μT.

To stay informed about electromagnetic fields in the city, enter your email address below

IN MY CITY

Latest news

Aurillac, a transparent look at exposure to electromagnetic fields

In the heart of Aurillac, whether in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville or the Rue du Carmel, a new
EMF City Map Tours Métropole Val de Loire

Tours Métropole Val de Loire leads the way in transparency by mapping its exposure to electromagnetic fields by bicycle

Tours Métropole Val de Loire worked with EXEM to map electromagnetic exposure in Tours city centre on the 7th of
Vue des Palais des Papes à Avignon

Avignon takes a proactive approach to 5G

The city of Avignon has taken a bold initiative to address its citizens' concerns about the roll-out of 5G on
vue panoramique sur les toits d'une ville avec des antennes-relais

What regulations apply to human exposure to electromagnetic fields?

Several pieces of legislation govern the exposure of the public and workers to electromagnetic fields...
Femme en train de naviguer sur un écran digital dans la rue

EMF & HEALTH IN THE CITY

How do I know if I'm exposed to electromagnetic fields in my city?

In our towns and cities, we are constantly exposed to various sources of electromagnetic fields. Although mobile phone antennas are the main focus of attention, there are many other sources, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots, TV and radio stations emitting electromagnetic fields. As far as low frequencies are concerned, it’s mainly high-voltage power lines that need to be considered.

Our exposure depends on the density of these sources and how far away they are. The closer you are to them, the more likely you are to be exposed. However, these sources are necessary for the proper functioning of the mobile terminals we use every day. For example, it is advisable to make calls in areas with good coverage to limit exposure to your phone, which emits more electromagnetic field when the relay antenna is further away.

To find out your level of exposure, you can contact your local council to request a measurement via the French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR), and consult the results on cartoradio.fr. You can also check your exposure in real time on the EMF Observatory website.

To find out about your exposure in places open to the public, ask for an electromagnetic field measurement.

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

What does the law say?

In France, exposure limit levels are defined by the decree 2002-775. These values comply with the recommendation of the Council of the European Union 1999/519/EC, itself based on the guide drawn up by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in 1998.

The French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) plays a key role in monitoring and regulating exposure to electromagnetic fields. It manages the monitoring system, carries out measurements in the field, monitors radioelectric installations and publishes the results of these measurements.

It is important to note that French legislation is based on the recommendations of the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), which regularly assesses the effects of electromagnetic fields on health.

Femme debout dans le bus en train de sourire en regardant l'écran de son téléphone portable
Couple dans la rue en train de prendre un selfie avec un téléphone portable

01

Since 2001

the French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) has published a measurement protocol for

regulatory control of compliance with exposure limits.

02

In 2011

The government published a decree requiring electricity transmission infrastructures

a ten-year monitoring plan to ensure compliance with exposure limits.

03

In 2013

The French government published a decree setting up a system

for monitoring and measuring electromagnetic fields. As a result, monitoring measurements become free of charge for all French citizens in public places and homes.

04

Since 2015

The Abeille law on sobriety, transparency, information and

consultation in terms of exposure to electromagnetic fields was promulgated. In particular, it introduced compulsory prior information and publicity measures for the installation of relay antennas. It also strengthens the mechanisms for monitoring and controlling public exposure. It also led to the creation of a national dialogue committee and numerous measures designed to protect the most sensitive populations.

How can I be sure that a public location complies with the regulations?

Establishments open to the public are obliged to comply with the regulations in place regarding their electromagnetic field emissions. If they offer WiFi access, for example, they must indicate this clearly at the entrance of the areas concerned. To check that standards are being complied with, anyone can ask to have their exposure to electromagnetic fields measured in a place open to the public, using the ANFR system.

NEWSLETTER

Everything you need to know about electromagnetic fields, straight to your inbox