Assessment of the Variability of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Arising from 5.9 GHz Vehicular Communication in Urban Environments

Abstract

Overview

This paper discusses the variability of radiofrequency exposure that road users in urban environments face due to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems operating at 5.9 GHz.

Methodology

The study uses a new hybrid method combining deterministic and stochastic procedures to evaluate the absorbed radiofrequency dose using the whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) in various human models, from children to adults.

Findings

• Assessment spans multiple urban layouts and varying propagation scenarios.
• SAR distribution was analyzed based on road user’s proximity (1.5-300 meters) to the transmitting vehicles.
• Median SAR values were low, around 0.70 mW/kg, under scenarios involving multiple vehicles and antennas at maximum US power levels.
• The 99th percentile SAR varied by body mass, typically lower in heavy adults and higher with more vehicles and antennas.
• The highest exposure, 73 mW/kg, was noted in a child model, but still below the safety limit of 80 mW/kg set for whole-body exposure in the frequency range of 100 kHz-300 GHz.

Conclusion

This comprehensive assessment highlights consistent, but not negligible, exposure among different urban scenarios and demographics, emphasizing the need for further investigation into long-term health implications.