Population Density and Downlink EMF Exposure Levels by Region in Korea (3G - 5G)

Abstract

Population Density and Downlink EMF Exposure Levels by Region in Korea (3G - 5G) Lee AK, Jeon S, Wang S, Wiart J, Choi HD, Moon JI. Population Density and DL EMF Exposure Levels by Region in Korea. 2024 IEEE Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference (APMC), Bali, Indonesia, 2024, pp. 781- 783, doi: 10.1109/APMC60911.2024.10867416. Abstract In 2023, the electric field strength within mobile communication bands was measured in the largest city (Seoul), a small city (Gwangju, Gyeonggi province), and a rural area (Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi province) in South Korea. The three measurement regions were selected based on population density; The population densities of Seoul, Gwangju, and Yangpyeong are about 15,550/km2, 856/km2, and 133/km2, respectively. Measurements were performed by mounting the SRM3006 antenna on the roof of a vehicle and driving for approximately 40 km in each region. In this paper, the authors report the results of analyzing downlink RF-EMF levels in mobile communication networks currently in operation by frequency, time, and region. ieeexplore.ieee.org The median of total DL E-field strength for all generations was 1.75 V/m (Seoul), 0.75 V/m (Gwangju), and 0.61 V/m (Yangpyeong); The difference in DL EMF between the small city and rural area was not large, but that in Seoul was significantly higher. Discussion and Conclusions For most users, 5G terminals will spend a significant portion of time not connected to the base station. Therefore, regardless of whether the terminal is connected to the 5G network, it is necessary to distinguish the level of radiated EMF caused by the SSB beam(s), which is (are) the only always-on signal in 5G NR, from the 5G base station. It is impossible to distinguish between the always-on signal radiated from 5G base stations and signals generated by the use of 5G UEs using the measurement method reported in this paper. In a future study, we plan to estimate the average SSB EMF level radiated from the 5G base station with the Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP) received by the terminal. We also seek to compare the total exposure level to DL EMF by all mobile networks with previously measured levels in terms of brain dose [3]. In Korea, CDMA2000 (2G) was terminated in early 2021, and WCDMA, LTE, and 5G NR are currently in service. At the time of measurement, i.e. around November 2023, the ratio of 3G subscriptions is about 2.6% of total mobile communication subscriptions, with 4G and 5G accounting for the majority; About 58.6% and 38.8% respectively. The DL EMF level by service technology generation did not match the corresponding subscription rate. Currently, the number of 4G mobile communication base stations installed in Seoul is estimated at about 70% of the total, and those of 3G and 5G are analyzed to have similar ratios of 10 to 20% each. Compared to the ratio of subscriptions to the 5G service, the number of base stations installed is still very low. Therefore, the DL EMF exposure will continue to change in the coming years, so continuous monitoring is necessary. Additionally, since the base station installation information can be a good parameter related to the DL EMF level, it seems important to obtain data on this.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In vehicle-based measurements across three Korean regions selected by population density, the median total downlink E-field strength (all generations) was 1.75 V/m in Seoul, 0.75 V/m in Gwangju (Gyeonggi province), and 0.61 V/m in Yangpyeong (Gyeonggi province). The authors report Seoul had significantly higher downlink EMF than the other regions, while the difference between the small city and rural area was not large.

Outcomes measured

• Downlink (DL) electric field strength (V/m) in mobile communication bands by region
• Total DL E-field strength (all generations) median by region

Limitations

• Measurements were performed using a vehicle-mounted antenna while driving, which may not represent personal exposure in other microenvironments.
• The method cannot distinguish always-on 5G NR SSB emissions from signals generated by 5G user equipment usage.
• Frequency bands and detailed measurement parameters are not specified in the provided abstract/metadata.
• No explicit sample size (e.g., number of measurement points/time samples) is reported in the provided abstract/metadata.

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.32)
  Includes 5G NR downlink exposure discussion (SSB always-on signal) and monitoring needs.

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile network downlink (3G/4G/5G base stations)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "~40 km drive per region; measurements around November 2023"
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Downlink (DL) electric field strength (V/m) in mobile communication bands by region",
        "Total DL E-field strength (all generations) median by region"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In vehicle-based measurements across three Korean regions selected by population density, the median total downlink E-field strength (all generations) was 1.75 V/m in Seoul, 0.75 V/m in Gwangju (Gyeonggi province), and 0.61 V/m in Yangpyeong (Gyeonggi province). The authors report Seoul had significantly higher downlink EMF than the other regions, while the difference between the small city and rural area was not large.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Measurements were performed using a vehicle-mounted antenna while driving, which may not represent personal exposure in other microenvironments.",
        "The method cannot distinguish always-on 5G NR SSB emissions from signals generated by 5G user equipment usage.",
        "Frequency bands and detailed measurement parameters are not specified in the provided abstract/metadata.",
        "No explicit sample size (e.g., number of measurement points/time samples) is reported in the provided abstract/metadata."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "unknown",
    "keywords": [
        "downlink",
        "RF-EMF",
        "electric field strength",
        "mobile networks",
        "3G",
        "4G",
        "LTE",
        "5G NR",
        "SSB",
        "population density",
        "drive test",
        "Korea",
        "Seoul",
        "Gwangju",
        "Yangpyeong"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.320000000000000006661338147750939242541790008544921875,
            "reason": "Includes 5G NR downlink exposure discussion (SSB always-on signal) and monitoring needs."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.