Evaluation of electric field (E) exposure levels and its relationship with the sleep quality of residents around the BTS antennas in Sabzevar, Iran.

This study focuses on evaluating human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) emitted by base transceiver station (BTS) antennas in Sabzevar, Iran, examining variations across different times, distances, and microenvironments, as well as assessing residents' sleep quality near these antennas. Measurements of the electric field (E) at distances of 50, 100, and 300 meters from 41 BTS antennas during three daily time intervals showed significant differences by time and distance, with higher exposure closer to antennas and during evening/night hours; however, all measured levels were below safety limits set by the Iranian National Standardization Organization, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. No significant differences in exposure were found among various microenvironments, but exposure was higher in suburban areas compared to downtown, possibly due to fewer physical obstructions. Sleep quality, assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index among 436 residents, was generally poor regardless of distance, though significantly worse for those living within 100 meters of BTS antennas compared to those beyond 300 meters; additionally, longer mobile phone use correlated with poorer sleep quality. The study suggests further research incorporating long-term individual exposure assessments and objective sleep measurements to clarify the relationship between RF-EMF exposure and sleep disturbances.