Infants and young children modeling method for numerical dosimetry studies: application to plane wave exposure

Abstract

Numerical dosimetry studies require the development of accurate numerical 3D models of the human body. This paper proposes a novel method for building 3D heterogeneous young children models combining results obtained from a semi-automatic multi-organ segmentation algorithm and an anatomy deformation method. The data consist of 3D magnetic resonance images, which are first segmented to obtain a set of initial tissues. A deformation procedure guided by the segmentation results is then developed in order to obtain five young children models ranging from the age of 5 to 37 months. By constraining the deformation of an older child model toward a younger one using segmentation results, we assure the anatomical realism of the models. Using the proposed framework, five models, containing thirteen tissues, are built. Three of these models are used in a prospective dosimetry study to analyze young child exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. The results lean to show the existence of a relationship between age and whole body exposure. The results also highlight the necessity to specifically study and develop measurements of child tissues dielectric properties.

Numerical analysis for infant's unintentional exposure to 3.5 GHz plane wave radiofrequency electromagnetic fields by field test of fifth generation wireless technologies

“…Previous studies [ Li et al , ; Dahdouh et al , ] showed that the compliance with ICNIRP guidelines at 3G and 4G frequencies could not assured for the infants. Our study demonstrated the similar results at 3.5 GHz.…”

“…However, considering the safety factor applied in the EMF guidelines, the risk of overexposure for children is not severe [ Wiart et al , ]. Recently, some studies on the exposure of infants to 4G signals have been conducted using the infant anatomical models [ Li et al , ; Dahdouh et al , ].…”