Dosimetric assessment in the brain for downlink EMF exposure in Korean mobile communication networks

Abstract

Overview

This research focuses on the complex dynamics of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from various sources like mobile communication base stations, WiFi access points, and broadcasting towers. Given the arbitrary nature of incidence directions in real-world scenarios, a thorough dosimetric assessment is crucial.

Findings

• The study evaluates the time-averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) for the human brain across a broad frequency range (50-5800 MHz).
• It considers whole-body exposure to spatially even EMFs, fine-tuning calculations by varying incidence directions and polarization numbers.
• The results, based on data from Seoul in late 2021, detail the daily SAR and specific energy absorption (SA) in the brains of both children and adults subjected to downlink EMF from 3G to 5G networks.
• A comparison of exposure metrics between downlink EMF across mobile networks and a 10-minute voice call on a 4G network reveals significantly higher SA from network downlinks.

Conclusion

The implications of prolonged EMF exposure on human brain health, particularly in diverse and dynamically changing urban environments, are substantial. The findings underscore the necessity for optimized strategies for EMF exposure management to mitigate potential health risks.