Dominance of Smartphone Exposure in 5G Mobile Networks

Authors: Chiaraviglio L, Lodovisi C, Bartoletti S, Elzanaty A, M. Slim-Alouini M.

Year: 2024

Category: Exposure Assessment, Telecommunications Safety

Journal: IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing

DOI: 10.1109/TMC.2023.3252662

URL: https://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/TMC.2023.3252662

Abstract

Overview

The deployment of 5G networks raises concerns regarding the impact of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) generated by Radio Base Stations (RBS) on users. This study provides a novel analysis by directly comparing the EMF exposure from RBS with that generated by 5G smartphones in commercial settings.

Methods

  • A unique framework, "5G-EA", was developed for accurate exposure assessment.
  • Innovative measurement algorithms were employed to remotely control a spectrum analyzer, allowing for detailed smartphone and RBS exposure analysis in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Findings

  • Smartphone exposure during uplink traffic substantially surpasses the exposure from RBS, especially when the device is in Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) scenarios.
  • Locations with Line-of-Sight (LOS) connectivity experience up to an order of magnitude lower total EMF exposure compared to NLOS locations.
  • 5G exposure accounts for a small portion—up to 38%—of the total EMF radiated by smartphones, with most exposure attributable to 4G carrier aggregation.
  • Both the total and smartphone-specific exposure per bit decrease as the maximum uplink traffic in the location increases, suggesting the usefulness of exposure estimators based on real-time uplink data.

Conclusion

  • This research confirms that in current 5G deployments, the hands-on, close-proximity use of smartphones is the dominant source of user EMF exposure—surpassing even that from cellular base stations.
  • This finding is crucial for public health discussions on EMF safety and suggests the need for exposure management strategies focused not only on infrastructure but also on user-device interactions.
  • It is vital for consumers and health authorities to recognize the contribution of smartphones to personal EMF exposure when assessing potential health risks associated with 5G and mobile technologies.
5G electromagnetic fields smartphone exposure radio base station carrier aggregation EMF safety uplink traffic
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