  We focus on the ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF) exposure safety for people living
in the vicinity of cellular towers. To this aim, we analyze a large dataset of
long-term EMF measurements collected over almost 20 years in more than 2000
measurement points spread over an Italian region. We evaluate the relationship
between EMF exposure and the following factors: (i) distance from the closest
installation(s), (ii) type of EMF sources in the vicinity, (iii) Base Station
(BS) technology, and (iv) EMF regulation updates. Overall, the exposure levels
from BSs in the vicinity are below the Italian EMF limits, thus ensuring safety
for the population. Moreover, BSs represent the lowest exposure compared to
Radio/TV repeaters and other EMF sources. However, the BS EMF exposure in
proximity to users exhibits an increasing trend over the last years, which is
likely due to the pervasive deployment of multiple technologies and to the EMF
regulation updates. As a side consideration, if the EMF levels continue to
increase with the current trends, the EMF exposure in proximity to BSs will
saturate to the maximum EMF limit by the next 20 years at a distance of 30
meters from the closest BS.
