Simultaneous 4G and 5G EMF Exposure and Field Uniformity in a Reverberation Chamber for Animal Studies

Authors: Kwon D, Jeon S, Lee A-K, Choi H-D, Moon J-I

Year: 2025

Category: Bioelectromagnetics/Animal Experimental Studies

Journal: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app151810286

URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/18/10286

Abstract

Overview

This study presents the design and validation of a specialized reverberation chamber (RC) built to accommodate large-scale experimental animal carcinogenicity research. The chamber focuses on producing radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) relevant to current 4G and 5G mobile communication technologies, precisely at 900 MHz, 2.12 GHz, and 3.65 GHz.

Methodology

  • The electric field (E-field) uniformity within the RC was rigorously tested under four different realistic loading scenarios:
    • Empty chamber
    • Apparatus only
    • Apparatus plus 80 Sprague-Dawley rats (approx. 400 g each)
    • Apparatus plus 80 Sprague-Dawley rats (approx. 520 g each)

Findings

  • The measurement results demonstrated E-field uniformity better than 1.36 dB across all scenarios.
  • Frequency-dependent field variations became negligible when cage racks and 80 rats were present in the chamber.
  • The study introduced a predictive method for estimating composite E-field intensities under simultaneous multi-frequency EMF exposures, which has the potential to minimize the required experimental measurement effort.

Conclusion

These results establish that the designed RC provides a reliable environment for simulating real-world RF EMF exposures as found in contemporary wireless technologies, supporting the accurate evaluation of possible biological health effects in animal studies. This rigour enables meaningful assessments of EMF safety and potential health risks, including carcinogenicity concerns related to multi-frequency 4G and 5G RF exposures.

RF exposure 4G 5G electromagnetic fields animal studies reverberation chamber field uniformity
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