SAR Estimations in a Child Due to RF Exposures from Several Laptops in a Classroom Environment

Authors: Soares NE, Bulla G, Fernandez-Rodriguez CE, de Salles AAA

Year: 2023

Category: Electromagnetic Field Safety, Exposure Assessment

Journal: 2023 IEEE MTT-S Latin America Microwave Conference (LAMC)

DOI: 10.1109/LAMC59011.2023.10375589

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10375589

Abstract

Overview

This research provides a detailed examination of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in a classroom environment. The study is motivated by the increasing integration of electronic devices in education and the growing necessity to estimate the implications for overall EMF exposure, especially among young students.

Methodology

  • Simulated a classroom filled with realistic models of several 7-year-old girls.
  • Each child model was assigned a laptop—the primary source of electromagnetic radiation in the scenario.
  • Calculated 1g and 10g peak spatial Specific Absorption Rate (psSAR) for multiple parts of the child model, including the head, back, and hands.

Findings

  • A significant increase in psSAR was observed when several laptops were simultaneously used in the classroom environment.
  • In some cases, the psSAR values increased up to 40-fold compared to individual exposure scenarios.

Conclusion

The study aims to enhance the understanding of potential EMF exposure effects in children and stresses the need to develop guidelines for the design of safer classrooms, especially in the context of pervasive laptop usage. This finding highlights the real connection between EMF exposure—particularly RF from laptops—and increased health risks for children, underscoring the importance of robust EMF safety protocols in educational settings.

SAR children laptops classroom RF exposure EMF safety guidelines
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