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Electromagnetic field (EMF) considerations in smart sustainable cities

Executive Summary
Wireless and wired networks provide the underlying connections that underpin smart sustainable
cities (SSC). The design and deployment of wireless networks must ensure compliance with the
required quality of service as well as with the standards and regulations on human exposure to radio
frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields.
1
This Technical Report details the electromagnetic field (EMF) considerations in smart sustainable
cities to ensure that the networks and connected devices operate safely and efficiently. Efficient
deployment of wireless infrastructure will reduce the transmitted RF power in providing services
and improve the efficiency of ICTs.
The key audience of this Technical Report includes city officials, town planners, urban developers,
infrastructure providers, network operators and the public.
This Technical Report comprises the following key sections:
 ICTs and EMF – Provides a summary of how wireless networks support ICTs in the
community, providing services that include smart metering, remote health care and medical
monitoring, smart cars, mobile education, and smart homes and buildings.
 EMF and health – Provides an overview of the extensive research into EMF and health, and
the conclusions from the World Health Organization (WHO).
 EMF exposure limits – Provides a summary of the international EMF exposure limits
developed by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
along with information on the application of the limits to workers and the general public.
 EMF health and safety information – Provides an overview of the most relevant information
available on the linkages between EMF exposure, health and safety that can be used to
respond to the requirements of various audiences.
 Community information consultation and engagement – Provides guidance on community
engagement, consultation and risk communications in order to increase public and
policymaker awareness, and foster better‐informed discussions and citizen engagement in
this field.

 Wireless ICT network infrastructure – Provides an overview of the infrastructure elements
that form a wireless network, and explains the role of these different elements.
 ICT wireless technologies – Provides a summary of the various wireless technologies
including 3G and 4G mobile telecommunications, worldwide interoperability for microwave
access (WiMax), wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi), Bluetooth, digital enhanced cordless
telecommunication (DECT), and the backhaul systems that connect the radio sites to the core
telecommunications network and the Internet.
 ICT antenna siting approval requirements – Provides guidance on good practice policy for
planning rules for ICT infrastructure.
This Technical Report concludes by providing city officials and decision makers with a ‘check‐list’
that includes the key EMF‐related aspects that need to be considered during the design and
implementation of SSC, in order to ensure that its operation complies with EMF standards, and
operate efficiently and safely.

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1 An electromagnetic field consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together through space. Often the term
‘electromagnetic field’ or EMF is used to indicate the presence of electromagnetic radiation. Radio signals are one type of EMF.

ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications 589