Abstract

Overview

With the growing penetration of fifth generation (5G) cellular networks, there is increased interest in the radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by 'small cells'. These low-power base stations are positioned such that proximity is common for both workers and the general public.

Findings

• RF-EMF measurements were conducted near two distinct 5G New Radio (NR) base stations—one featuring an Advanced Antenna System (AAS) and the other being a traditional microcell.
• Assessments included worst-case and time-averaged field levels from 0.5 m to 100 m distances, under maximized downlink traffic scenarios.
• Estimations of typical exposures were made for various scenarios, including users and non-users.
• Exposure levels were compared to the maximum permissible limits as per the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), noting maximum exposure ratios of 0.15 (occupational, at 0.5 m) and 0.68 (general public, at 1.3 m).
• The study revealed significantly lower potential exposure for non-users, dependant on the base station’s activity and its beamforming capabilities, varying from 5 to 30 times lower with AAS compared to a traditional antenna.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study demonstrates the varied exposure levels near 5G small cells, underscoring the importance of continued assessment of RF-EMF impacts to ensure safety standards meet the necessary protective measures for both workers and the general public.