RF-EMF Exposure near 5G NR Small Cells

Abstract

Of particular interest within fifth generation (5G) cellular networks are the typical levels of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by ‘small cells’, low-power base stations, which are installed such that both workers and members of the general public can come in close proximity with them. In this study, RF-EMF measurements were performed near two 5G New Radio (NR) base stations, one with an Advanced Antenna System (AAS) capable of beamforming and the other a traditional microcell. At various positions near the base stations, with distances ranging between 0.5 m and 100 m, both the worst-case and time-averaged field levels under maximized downlink traffic load were assessed. Moreover, from these measurements, estimates were made of the typical exposures for various cases involving users and non-users. Comparison to the maximum permissible exposure limits issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) resulted in maximum exposure ratios of 0.15 (occupational, at 0.5 m) and 0.68 (general public, at 1.3 m). The exposure of non-users was potentially much lower, depending on the activity of other users serviced by the base station and its beamforming capabilities: 5 to 30 times lower in the case of an AAS base station compared to barely lower to 30 times lower for a traditional antenna.

Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Exposure on European Roads: A Comprehensive In Situ Measurement Campaign

“…With the comparison of existing measurement campaigns [7][8][9][10][12][13][14][15][18][19][20][21]39], we present results for the E-field in a complex environment due to the semi-resonant nature of the vehicle body. The presented information for the field strength of Ex, Ey, and Ez components serves as an indication for the orientation of the electric field, which is valuable for the design of both new absorbers of EMF for the car cabin and new flexible rectennas for EMF energy harvesting in vehicles.…”

“…The growth development of 5G cellular networks is also associated with the widespread deployment of base stations [7]. Along with this growth, questions also arise about the potential adverse effects on human health due to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from base station antennas [8][9][10].…”

Smartphone-Based Methodology Applied to Electromagnetic Field Exposure Assessment

“…According to commonly accepted procedures, there are two types of measurements for monitoring RF field exposure: mobile (personal) and fixed. Fixed measurements, determined with a spectrum analyzer or a frequency-selective meter, are the most accurate, although they require more effort in terms of cost and personnel [ 4 ]. For rapid characterization at a fixed location, there is also the possibility of using a broadband probe.…”

Simulation study of mobile phone radiation thermal effect in human heart tissue

“…are crucial, and to make sure the EMR sources are safe to use, these values are compared to a safety limit established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) (Aerts et al 2023;Yi et al 2023).…”