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

This study evaluates radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in 5G networks using a dual approach that combines theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements in diverse semiurban and urban environments, specifically on the campus of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Measure...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Nájera López, Alberto, Villaescusa Tebar, Álvaro, González Rubio, Jesús, García Pardo, Concepción
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Fundación Dialnet. Universidad de La Rioja
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/47914
Acceso en línea:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.70020
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/47914
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:5G networks
Human exposure
Kriging: EMF exposure
Measurements
Code‐selective
Descripción
Sumario:This study evaluates radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure in 5G networks using a dual approach that combines theoretical extrapolations and direct measurements in diverse semiurban and urban environments, specifically on the campus of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Measurements were conducted using personal exposimeters under active traffic conditions on the 5G network, complemented by a code-selective measurement system based on an R&S TSME6 scanner. This approach enabled the calculation of maximum theoretical exposure by detailed analysis of 5G signals and the capture of key parameters such as cell ID and beam indices at 16 representative points across the campus. For precise spatial visualization, Kriging interpolation techniques in ArcGIS were employed to generate continuous exposure maps illustrating the spatial distribution of RF-EMF in the study area. The results indicate that both the extrapolated theoretical values and measured levels align with the limits recommended by the ICNIRP, even under high data demand scenarios, supporting current safety assessments of 5G infrastructure regarding electromagnetic exposure. The correlation between theoretical and instantaneous exposures validates the applied methodology and its effectiveness in assessing exposure in diverse environments. This study provides a robust framework for future research and highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure public safety during the deployment of new telecommunications infrastructure in urban areas.