RF-EMF Exposure near 5G NR Small Cells

Area of Science:

• Telecommunications Engineering
• Radiofrequency Safety
• Electromagnetic Field Theory

Background:

• Fifth generation (5G) cellular networks utilize low-power 'small cell' base stations, increasing potential for close proximity exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for workers and the public.
• Understanding typical RF-EMF exposure levels from these 5G base stations is crucial for public health and safety assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure and assess RF-EMF exposure levels near 5G New Radio (NR) base stations, including those with Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) and beamforming capabilities.
• To compare measured exposure levels with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for occupational and general public exposure.
• To estimate typical exposures for users and non-users, considering beamforming and base station activity.

Main Methods:

• Performed in-situ RF-EMF measurements at distances ranging from 0.5 m to 100 m from two types of 5G NR base stations (AAS with beamforming and traditional microcell).
• Assessed both worst-case and time-averaged field levels under maximized downlink traffic load.
• Calculated exposure ratios relative to ICNIRP maximum permissible exposure limits and estimated typical user/non-user exposures.

Main Results:

• Maximum measured exposure ratios were 0.15 for occupational settings (at 0.5 m) and 0.68 for the general public (at 1.3 m), both below ICNIRP limits.
• Exposure levels for non-users were significantly lower than for users, varying from 5 to 30 times lower with AAS base stations compared to traditional microcells.
• Beamforming capabilities of AAS base stations contribute to potentially much lower exposure for non-users.

Conclusions:

• RF-EMF exposure levels from 5G small cells, even in close proximity, remain well within established international safety limits.
• The use of Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) with beamforming technology can further reduce exposure, particularly for individuals not actively using the network.
• These findings support the safe deployment and use of 5G small cell technology in urban environments.