Human Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation from Indoor Distributed Antenna System: Shopping Mall Measurement Analysis

Abstract

Overview

The rapid increase in communication services and the vision of a connected society necessitates constant monitoring of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) levels against safety standards. Particularly in public spaces like shopping malls, where the presence of numerous indoor antennas near populous areas requires thorough investigation.

Methodology

This study measures the electric fields within a shopping mall located in Natal, Brazil. Six points locations were chosen based on criteria such as high pedestrian traffic and proximity to one or more Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), possibly coupled with WiFi access points.

Findings

• Results discussed in relation to two metrics: proximity to DAS (near or far) and the density of people in the mall (low or high).
• Highest recorded electric fields were 1.96 and 3.26 V/m, equating to merely 5% and 8% of safety limits established by both the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL).
• Places with multiple DAS antennas demonstrated significant variance in exposure based on antenna distance and crowd density.

Conclusion

While electric field levels never exceeded safety guidelines, elevated exposure at peak times and crowded conditions underlines the need for strategic antenna placement in public venues. The continued moderation in mobile phone use and responsible antenna distribution is vital given ongoing debates on the potential health risks of NIR.