The nature of radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure to outdoor workers active in the harbour versus the city centre

Harbours (HBs) are the open areas of specific environmental properties comparing to nearby city centres (CCs). The open space of HBs and boats (open decks) need to be managed by outdoor workers who are assisting passengers and freight, cleaning, removing the snow, etc. Such outdoor personnel is a subject of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure caused by various radio communications fixed emitters, located inside, near or far from HB. This paper is discussing the results of pilot studies on the nature of radiofrequency EMR exposures to the outdoor workers - to compare whether the frequency pattern of EMR exposure differs between the outdoor environment of civil HBs and CCs, to define the relevant measurement procedure and devices to cover sufficiently all significant frequency contributions of total EMR exposure within further steps of planned studies. By the use of the frequency-selective measurements by portable, autonomous, radiofrequency exposure data-loggers, it was found the significantly different relative contribution of EMR exposure caused by emissions from the radio-television (RTV) broadcasting emitters and stationary antennas of public mobile communication systems for voice (GSM) and data (LTE) communications – GSM-LTE emissions are dominating in CCs, when in HBs and during navigating between HBs the RTV emissions may become to be a dominating. In HBs it was found also a contribution from the radiophones and local WiFi hot spots which may need attention. Observed differences in frequency pattern of EMR exposures in CCs and HBs is significant in the view of required measurement devices and protocols for studies on the EMR exposure in HBs.