Smart cities: Estimation of total human exposure from additional 5G mobile technologies using modelled future scenarios

What is the issue?

Because of technological progress, the exposure of the population to the electromagnetic fields of mobile communication is subject to constant change. Existing mobile communications networks and wireless network access technologies will be supplemented or partially replaced by technologies of the fifth mobile communications generation. With the introduction of the fifth mobile phone generation, technical innovations in transmission and reception technology as well as new fields of application are expected to lead to changes in exposure scenarios.

What is the current situation?

It can be assumed that an increased number of transmitters with low transmission powers will be located comparatively close to the general population in cities and buildings (e.g. smart cells, IoT, smart meters). In addition, new antenna technologies, which are characterised by variable antenna patterns, will be used. Because the new generation of mobile communications has not yet been fully introduced, emission data is not yet available. However, from a radiation protection perspective, it can be helpful to detect or predict changes in exposure patterns at an early stage.

What are the objectives of the BfS research project?

The primary objective of the project is to estimate the development of the total exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields after the introduction of the fifth mobile phone generation in Germany. An interdisciplinary approach of futurology, 3D modelling, and computer simulations will be used for this purpose.