Computational Human Skin Model for 5G Electromagnetic Field Exposure Studies

This study examines human exposure to electromagnetic (EM) fields in the 5G Frequency Range 1 (FR1: 410 MHz − 7125 MHz) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2: 24.25 GHz − 52.6 GHz). Due to the strong attenuation of EM fields within the body at FR2, our focus is on the skin, where most energy is absorbed. For comparison, we also analyze FR1. A multi-layer skin model is exposed to EM fields at 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz to evaluate the electric field distribution and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) across the different skin layers. Simulations were performed using the finite element method in the frequency domain implemented in the open-source software ERMES 20.0 and cross-verified with a commercial software tool. The results of the analysis will be used in experiments inside the project EU project NextGEM to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of 5G-related EM exposure and its potential implications for human health.