Assessment of 5G RF-EMF Exposure during Large-Scale Public Events via Field Measurements

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: 5G, RF-EMF, public exposure, power density, field measurements, temporal variability, event studies DOI: 10.1109/access.2025.3602263 URL: ieeexplore.ieee.org Overview The development of Fifth-Generation (5G) mobile networks has raised public concern regarding human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Key 5G features such as higher operating frequencies, broader bandwidths, beamforming, and traffic-dependent signal variability significantly influence RF-EMF exposure dynamics. Although many studies have assessed EMF levels induced by specific base stations under controlled user traffic, little empirical data are available on population-wide 5G environmental exposure across diverse scenarios. Findings - This study addresses the knowledge gap via field measurements during a large public festival in Valencia, Spain, and a baseline day prior to the event. - Downlink signals from the 700 MHz and 3500 MHz 5G bands were measured across Spain's three major network operators. - Five different locations surrounding the event venue were chosen to capture the effect of measurement location. - Two measurement durations (6 minutes and 30 minutes) were analyzed to assess temporal dynamics. - During the event, the power density in the 3500 MHz band increased by up to a factor of eight compared to baseline conditions. - A 30-minute continuous measurement revealed an approximately 30% higher average power density compared to the 6-minute snapshot. - All recorded exposure levels were significantly below international safety limits, even under high-demand conditions. Conclusion These findings confirm that 5G RF-EMF environmental exposure remains within accepted safety guidelines, even during large-scale public events. The results also highlight the importance of considering the location of measurements and temporal variability in assessing public EMF exposure.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Field measurements around a large public festival in Valencia, Spain found that 5G downlink power density in the 3500 MHz band increased by up to a factor of eight during the event versus a baseline day. A 30-minute continuous measurement produced ~30% higher average power density than a 6-minute snapshot. All recorded exposure levels were reported to be significantly below international safety limits, including under high-demand conditions.

Outcomes measured

• Power density (5G downlink)
• Temporal variability of measured exposure
• Spatial variability by measurement location
• Comparison to international safety limits

Limitations

• Specific numeric exposure values are not provided in the abstract.
• Only one event setting (a festival in Valencia, Spain) is described, which may limit generalizability.
• The abstract does not describe measurement instrumentation, protocols, or uncertainty/quality control details.

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.72)
  Study measures 5G environmental exposure (700/3500 MHz) and compares levels to international safety limits.

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        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "6 minutes and 30 minutes (measurement durations); event day vs baseline day"
    },
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    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Power density (5G downlink)",
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        "Spatial variability by measurement location",
        "Comparison to international safety limits"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Field measurements around a large public festival in Valencia, Spain found that 5G downlink power density in the 3500 MHz band increased by up to a factor of eight during the event versus a baseline day. A 30-minute continuous measurement produced ~30% higher average power density than a 6-minute snapshot. All recorded exposure levels were reported to be significantly below international safety limits, including under high-demand conditions.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [
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        "Only one event setting (a festival in Valencia, Spain) is described, which may limit generalizability.",
        "The abstract does not describe measurement instrumentation, protocols, or uncertainty/quality control details."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
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    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
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