ETAIN is part of the EMF Health cluster
A research on the complex relationship of electromagnetic field and human health from early life to adulthood.
The CLUE-H network involves more than 70 European research organizations in four research consortia (ETAIN, GOLiAT, NextGEM, SEAWave), with additional contributions from scientists in USA, Korea, and Japan.
CLUE-H Policy briefs
Policy brief #1
THE USE OF DIFFERENT EXPOSURE METRICS IN THE RESEARCH ABOUT THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
The European research Cluster on EMF and Health
This policy brief explains why different exposure metrics are used in research on the health impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and how these metrics help scientists assess exposure from wireless technologies such as mobile phones and base stations.
It describes the key measurements used to quantify RF-EMF exposure, distinguishing between external metrics (such as electric field strength or power density measured outside the body) and internal metrics (such as the Specific Absorption Rate, SAR, which measures how much electromagnetic energy is absorbed by body tissues). The brief also discusses how researchers use cumulative exposure metrics to estimate long-term exposure from multiple sources, combining both the intensity and duration of exposure.
Overall, the document clarifies that different metrics are needed for different purposes, biological experiments, epidemiological studies, regulatory standards, and public risk communication, and highlights how the CLUE-H research cluster is helping improve measurement methods and scientific understanding to support future policy and safety guidelines.
Policy brief #2
5G EXPOSURE OF EUROPEAN CITIZENS
Exposure to electromagnetic fields due to the transition to 5G
CLUE-H Second Policy Brief examines how the rollout of 5G technology in Europe is changing patterns of human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), and how these changes relate to public health, perception, and policy. It explains the different types of exposure (from base stations and personal devices), traces how exposure has evolved from 1G to 5G, and highlights the added complexity introduced by technologies such as beamforming and millimetre waves.
Drawing on findings from several European research projects within the CLUE-H cluster, this policy brief shows that measured exposure levels remain well below international safety limits, despite widespread public perception that 5G increases exposure. It concludes with policy recommendations focused on maintaining low exposure levels, improving monitoring, addressing misconceptions through better risk communication, and considering RF-EMF exposure early in the design of future wireless technologies.
