Dual Evaluation and Spatial Analysis of RF-EMF Exposure in 5G: Theoretical Extrapolations and Direct Measurements

PAPER manual Bioelectromagnetics 2025 Exposure assessment Effect: no_effect Evidence: Low

Read original paper → DOI: 10.1002/bem.70020 Evidence Lab

Abstract

Category: Bioelectromagnetics, Environmental Health, 5G Exposure Analysis Institution: Polytechnic University of Valencia Tags: RF-EMF, 5G, exposure assessment, direct measurement, theoretical extrapolation, spatial analysis, public safety DOI: 10.1002/bem.70020 URL: onlinelibrary.wiley.com Overview This study rigorously evaluates radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure from 5G networks using a comprehensive dual approach, combining both theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements. The investigation covers diverse semiurban and urban environments, with a focused case study conducted on the campus of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Methodology - Personal exposimeters were deployed under active 5G network traffic conditions to gather real-world exposure data. - A code-selective measurement system utilizing an R&S TSME6 scanner collected essential network parameters, including cell ID and beam indices, across 16 representative campus points. - Maximum theoretical exposure levels were calculated based on detailed analysis of 5G signals. - Kriging interpolation with ArcGIS was used for precise spatial visualization of RF-EMF distribution, resulting in comprehensive exposure maps. Findings - Both extrapolated theoretical values and directly measured RF-EMF levels were found to align with the recommended limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). - This alignment remained consistent even under high network data demand scenarios, supporting safety assessments of current 5G infrastructure. - There was a strong correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures, validating the efficacy of the methodology used in the study. Conclusion The study provides a solid, validated framework for future RF-EMF exposure assessments in evolving telecommunications environments. It emphasizes the necessity of continuous monitoring to safeguard public health during the ongoing deployment of new wireless infrastructure, including 5G networks.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

Exposure assessment

Effect direction

no_effect

Population

—

Sample size

—

Exposure

RF 5G networks

Evidence strength

Low

Confidence: 74% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

Theoretical extrapolations and directly measured RF-EMF exposure levels in semiurban/urban environments (including a campus case study) were reported to align with ICNIRP recommended limits, including under high network data demand scenarios. The study also reports a strong correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures.

Outcomes measured

RF-EMF exposure levels (theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements)
Compliance with ICNIRP recommended limits
Spatial distribution/maps of RF-EMF exposure
Correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures

Suggested hubs

who-icnirp (0.86)
Findings are explicitly evaluated against ICNIRP recommended limits.
5g-policy (0.72)
Study assesses RF-EMF exposure from 5G networks and discusses safety/monitoring during deployment.

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "5G networks",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "RF-EMF exposure levels (theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements)",
        "Compliance with ICNIRP recommended limits",
        "Spatial distribution/maps of RF-EMF exposure",
        "Correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Theoretical extrapolations and directly measured RF-EMF exposure levels in semiurban/urban environments (including a campus case study) were reported to align with ICNIRP recommended limits, including under high network data demand scenarios. The study also reports a strong correlation between theoretical and instantaneous field exposures.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF-EMF",
        "5G",
        "exposure assessment",
        "direct measurement",
        "theoretical extrapolation",
        "personal exposimeters",
        "R&S TSME6",
        "spatial analysis",
        "kriging interpolation",
        "ArcGIS",
        "ICNIRP",
        "campus"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.85999999999999998667732370449812151491641998291015625,
            "reason": "Findings are explicitly evaluated against ICNIRP recommended limits."
        },
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.7199999999999999733546474089962430298328399658203125,
            "reason": "Study assesses RF-EMF exposure from 5G networks and discusses safety/monitoring during deployment."
        }
    ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract/metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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