Assessment of EMF Human Exposure Levels Due to Wearable Antennas at 5G Frequency Band

(1) Background: This work aims to assess human exposure to EMF due to two different wearable antennas tuned to two 5G bands. (2) Methods: The first one was centered in the lower 5G band, around f = 3.5 GHz, whereas the second one was tuned to the upper 5G band, at 26.5 GHz. Both antennas were positioned on the trunk of four simulated human models. The exposure assessment was performed by electromagnetic numerical simulations. Exposure levels were assessed by quantifying the specific absorption rate averaged on 10 g of tissue (SAR(10g)) and the absorbed power density (S-ab), depending on the frequency of the wearable antenna. (3) Results: the higher exposure values that resulted were always mainly concentrated in a superficial area just below the antenna itself. In addition, these resulting distributions were narrowed around their peak values and tended to flatten toward lower values in farther anatomical body regions. All the exposure levels complied with ICNIRP guidelines when considering realistic input power. (4) Conclusions: This work highlights the importance of performing an exposure assessment when the antenna is placed on the human wearer, considering the growth of wearable technology and its wide variety of application, particularly regarding future 5G networks.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from two different wearable antennas designed for 5G bands. Four simulated human models were used, and electromagnetic numerical simulations were conducted to assess the exposure levels based on specific absorption rate (SAR) and absorbed power density (S-ab). The results showed that the higher exposure values were concentrated in a superficial area below the antenna, and these distributions narrowed around their peak values and tended to flatten towards lower values in other body regions. All exposure levels complied with ICNIRP guidelines considering realistic input power. This study highlights the importance of conducting exposure assessments for wearable antennas on human wearers, particularly in the context of future 5G networks and the growing use of wearable technology.