Transition Pathways Towards Electromagnetic Sustainability in the Built and Lived Environment

Electromagnetic (EM) fields, as one of the basic forms of energy in the built and lived environment (BLE), present an environmental health challenge, yet they often remain an overlooked concern, particularly with the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and energy systems. Although these fields are essential for the contemporary infrastructure, society needs to engage in a thorough discussion regarding their potential impact on health. In light of this, a commitment should be made to design and manage technologies and infrastructure that strive to lower EM pollution, while ensuring optimal functionality. Achieving this goal requires viable urban planning and sustainability strategies. The motivation of this study is to examine various instances to foster a deeper understanding of the EM in the BLE. It explores significant sources of exposure and major safety guidelines. A literature review and EM field audits in three locations within two cities in Canada and the UK have been provided to understand the trends and serve as a comparative sample. Key transition pathways towards EM sustainability have been proposed, including the establishment of observatory systems in urban locations, hygiene practices, risk governance, and an interplay between sustainability and technology.