Overall Uncertainty Estimation in Multiple Narrow-Band In Situ Electromagnetic Field Measurements

The possible adverse effects on human health of exposure to nonionizing electromagnetic fields have led international organizations and several countries to adopt exposure limits regarding public or occupational safety. To ensure compliance with these limits, specifically designed measurements with suitable instruments have to be performed. Since uncertainty is always present even when expensive instrumentation is employed, the final results from computations of the measured data deviate from the respective true values. The divergence depends on the instrumentation employed, the used methodology, or even the random effects, e.g., human factors or environmental conditions. In this paper, a method for evaluating total uncertainty when multiple narrow-band electromagnetic field measurements are performed is proposed. This is very common when exposure in residential areas is assessed.