Reconciling connectivity and exposure to electromagnetic fields in the workplace
- 14/03/2024
- At work, EMF & Health, Environmental health, Non classifié(e)
The quality of indoor mobile coverage has become a major issue for professionals, who until now have found it inadequate in office buildings, as demonstrated by the ‘Smartphone and mobile coverage in the office’ study carried out by OpinionWay for TDF.
At a time when digital tools have become indispensable in many sectors of activity, the need for reliable and effective mobile coverage inside buildings is more pressing than ever. However, this quest for connectivity is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to exposure to electromagnetic fields…
The challenges of indoor mobile coverage
Smartphones have become essential tools in the workplace, according to the study. Whether for business calls, emails, text messages or even social networking, these devices are used intensively. Despite this reliance on smartphones, the quality of mobile coverage remains a problem, with 55% of employees complaining of inadequate coverage on their premises.
Companies are clearly aware of the importance of connectivity for productivity and competitiveness, and must therefore seek to provide their employees with a working environment where mobile coverage is optimal… while overcoming the difficulties of 4G-5G coverage, often linked to the impermeable nature of the materials used in the construction of buildings that comply with environmental standards.
These growing issues therefore have a direct impact on the quality of the workspace. Especially as the introduction of solutions to improve indoor mobile coverage can sometimes lead to increased exposure to the electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile antennas and devices…
Environmental health concerns
Certain devices designed to improve indoor coverage, such as antenna systems for example, raise the question of the risks associated with exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields in the workplace, a subject already well regulated by implementing decree no. 2016-1074.
Although the only short-term health effects observed following exposure to radiofrequencies are thermal (heating up of biological tissues) – no long-term biological mechanism has been identified with any certainty – some studies point to a possible correlation between intensive use of mobile phones and possible forms of brain cancer such as glioma…
Balancing coverage quality and exposure to electromagnetic fields
Faced with these concerns, professionals are faced with a dilemma: how can we guarantee high-quality mobile coverage while minimising exposure of the public and workers to electromagnetic fields? The answer to this question lies in a balanced and proactive approach on the part of the company or building owner, taking into account both connectivity needs and health and safety imperatives.
Solutions to make up for this lack of coverage, on the one hand, and to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields from both antennas and telephones, on the other, do exist. The introduction of Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) can help to meet this challenge, for example, by enabling mobile signals to be distributed more efficiently within buildings, thereby reducing the need for antenna power and, consequently, exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The involvement of professionals from the design phase of buildings to ensure that environmental and health aspects are properly taken into account should also be considered. Integrating antennas into office spaces right from the design stage and using materials that are conducive to their use can help you achieve HQE and R2S certification, or even the OSMOZ label… while demonstrating your commitment to the health and well-being of your occupants.
In addition, preventive measures such as limiting exposure time can help reduce health risks, although they are more difficult to implement in the workplace. Prevention and awareness-raising by the appropriate departments (CSR, QHSE, etc.) are therefore essential!
Finally, measurement remains the only effective way of ensuring compliance with standards and the effectiveness of the various solutions implemented. This may involve measuring exposure to radio frequency waves at a given moment in time, or continuous electromagnetic field measurement devices, such as Exem’s WAVE-001 sensors.
The second, more long-term solution seems to be more in line with the government’s recommendations. The same goes for mapping to check the quality of network coverage in buildings. It enables the duality of network coverage and electromagnetic field exposure to be highlighted, so that network infrastructures can be deployed efficiently.
Conclusion
It is also essential that companies and regulatory authorities continue to closely monitor advances in research in this field and implement appropriate regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
Ultimately, the quest for high-quality indoor mobile coverage for professionals must not be at the expense of health and safety. By adopting a balanced approach that takes into account both connectivity needs and health concerns, it is possible to create an environment where workers can enjoy the benefits of mobile technology while minimising the risks to their well-being.
