Road User Exposure from ITS-5.9 GHz Vehicular Connectivity

Abstract

Overview

This study scrutinizes a critical yet under-researched area concerning human exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) as a result of vehicular connectivity. Highlighting a specific concern for public health, the research focuses on the effects of RF-EMF exposure in road users near cars equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication antennas.

Methodology and Findings

The investigation employed computational dosimetry to evaluate RF-EMF exposure. The research utilized a 3D numerical model of a car equipped with two V2V antennas, each generating 1 W at 5.9 GHz, and an adult human model to represent a road user close to the car. Measurement involved assessing the specific absorption rate (SAR), which represents the RF-EMF power absorbed per unit of mass. Key findings include:

• Highest SAR encountered in the skin of the head (34.7 mW/kg) and the eyes (15 mW/kg).
• Significantly lower SAR values in the torso and limbs, underscoring a variable exposure distribution.
• Total body SAR maintained a low average of 0.19 mW/kg.

Conclusion

Despite SAR values remaining well below the maximum exposure limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in the 100 kHz-6 GHz range, the proximity of road users to these V2V antennas underlines potential areas of risk. The developed methodology can adapt to assess various setups and ages, paving the way for broader evaluations of vehicular RF-EMF exposure and safety measures focused on minimizing health risks from electromagnetic fields.