Abstract

Abstract Overview

The development and deployment of 5G antennas are crucial for advanced connectivity. However, analysis regarding the EMF exposure from 5G towers, particularly on young people and sensitive locations such as schools and medical centers, remains limited.

Methodology

A solid methodology was developed for assessing the downlink exposure from 5G and pre-5G technologies over children, teenagers, schools, and medical centers. Applying this methodology demonstrates that, despite the expected increase in exposure due to the adoption of 5G, the levels remain within international safety limits.

Detailed Findings

• The exposure levels to children and teenagers are comparable to those of the general population.
• Exposure rates at schools and medical centers could be lower than other buildings.
• Introduction of building attenuation significantly reduces 5G exposure compared to pre-5G.
• Despite the lower initial exposure rates from 5G towers, once 5G reaches a maturity level of adoption, it will become the predominant source of EMF ambient exposure.

Conclusion and Future Work

Although current exposure levels from 5G technology are lower than both pre-5G levels and the limits set by international guidelines, continuous and comprehensive measurements and analyses are recommended, especially to help ensure sensitive populations and areas remain protected as technology and deployment evolve. Plans are in place to extend this research to cover entire cities and to explore both downlink and uplink exposure effects from 5G technology.