The electromagnetic field background in the urban area of Rome (Italy): The situation until 2001

It is presented the work performed by ISPESL, related to the analysis of the wide band electromagnetic field measurements, carried out in the urban area of Rome, in the period from 1998 to 2001. ISPESL carried out approximately 500 wide band measurements near the sites selected and proposed by the network companies for the installation of new radio base stations (SRB). The measurements have been carried out using a wide band probe equipped with an isotropic electric field probe, in areas where people stay for more than four hours. The results of the electromagnetic measurements have been compared with the electric field levels fixed by the Italian law to prevent hazardous due to long term people exposure to the electromagnetic field sources with frequency between 100 kHz-300 GHz, which is 6 V/m. The electric field levels have been shared in classes, to analyse the statistical distribution of the electric field levels measured and calculated in the urban environment of Rome.