Abstract

Overview

The expansion of 5G mobile networks is significantly increasing EMF exposure levels due to the densification of network infrastructure and the deployment of massive antenna arrays utilizing the millimeter wave spectrum.

Findings

• The study employed a ray tracing approach to analyze EMF exposure in a dense urban setting for both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) scenarios.
• A massive MIMO antenna with multi-user beamforming capabilities was considered for base station operations in this framework.
• For the DL scenario, EMF exposure was evaluated using the maximum rate transmission technique and total power density (PD), whereas for UL, exposure was assessed based on electric field strength and specific absorption rate (SAR).
• Important 3D scenario details such as building geometry, electromagnetic characteristics, multipath propagation, user locations, and beamforming radiation patterns were integrated into the analysis.
• Increases in user density led to higher PD levels and greater spatial variations in EMF levels. Peak PD for DL was noted to increase significantly as the number of active users rose, reaching up to 62% of the ICNIRP’s limit in worst-case scenarios.
• In UL scenarios, a close proximity (within 5m) to the user’s location saw substantial increases in average electric field strength. A critical finding was the low probability that SAR levels would exceed minor fractions (3%) of the ICNIRP’s established safety limits, even with full user activity.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study highlights the urgent need for continuous monitoring and stricter regulation of EMF exposure as 5G networks become more prevalent, given the potential health risks associated with increased EMF levels.