Measurement of Ambient Millimeter Wave Exposure Levels around Small Base Stations.

Area of Science:

• Wireless Communications
• Electromagnetic Field Theory

Background:

• Fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology utilizes millimeter wave (mmW) bands for enhanced mobile broadband.
• 5G is projected to enable billions of Internet of Things (IoT) connections, driving innovation across sectors like healthcare and manufacturing.
• Concerns exist regarding electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from 5G mmW installations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the implementation and impact of 5G mmW technology.
• To measure ambient mmW radiofrequency (RF) field power densities near operational 5G radio base stations (RBS).
• To assess public exposure levels relative to established safety standards.

Main Methods:

• Measurements were conducted using a dual-polarized horn antenna and spectrum analyzers.
• Ambient mmW power densities were measured near RBS in urban and suburban environments.
• Data collection occurred at various times and weather conditions for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• Measured ambient mmW exposure levels were significantly lower than Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and international safety limits.
• Exposure levels ranged from 0.0003% to 0.0082% of the public maximum permissible exposure (MPE).
• The highest measured exposure was over 25,000 times below the allowed continuous public exposure limit.

Conclusions:

• Typical mmW exposure from 5G RBS is minimal and substantially below established safety limits.
• The study provides reassuring evidence regarding the safety of 5G mmW technology implementation.
• Findings support the safe and widespread adoption of 5G wireless technology.