Modeling and investigation of electromagnetic field exposure caused by next-generation communication systems

In recent years, rapid advancements in communication technologies have not only facilitated communication among humans but also enabled communication between objects. Objects can now communicate with each other, collect data from their surroundings, and make decisions based on this data. These innovations make the intensive use of next-generation communication technologies essential in various aspects of life, ranging from the energy sector to radar and security applications, industrial uses, microwave technologies, healthcare, wearable technologies, and smart city applications. However, as a result of these technological developments, there has been an increase in electromagnetic field levels in normal daily life. This situation brings along health and safety risks, escalating occupational exposure issues to dangerous levels. The effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields on the health of individuals, especially those exposed, should be closely examined. Additionally, security measures and standards related to the use of these technologies play a crucial role in minimizing occupational exposure. While maximizing the benefits brought about by technological advancements, it is important to adopt a conscious approach to health and safety issues. This approach will contribute to the safer and more sustainable use of these technologies in the future. With the advancing technology, interactions between electromagnetic fields (EM) generated by devices operating in the fifth generation (5G) frequencies and metallic objects in the human body have been studied by various researchers. The primary motivation behind this research is to assess to what extent the electromagnetic energy used in 5G applications is absorbed by the human body. In this context, the specific absorption rate (SAR) induced by next-generation mobile phones has been investigated on a human head model wearing metal-framed glasses, with metal implants or earrings, as well as on a pregnant woman model wearing a metal belly button ring. To analyze electromagnetic field exposure, numerical simulations incorporating realistic human models with metal objects were conducted, and the results were evaluated in terms of non-ionizing dosimetry. This research aims to provide insights into the absorption of electromagnetic energy in scenarios involving metal accessories and implants, contributing to a better understanding of the potential effects of 5G technology on human health. Simulations were conducted using commercial software based on the finite integration technique (FIT) at frequencies of 0.9, 1.8, 2.1, 2.45, 3.5, and 5 GHz, respectively. For the head model wearing earrings, a maximum SAR value of 14x10-5 W/kg was calculated at a frequency of 2.45 GHz for an average tissue mass of 10 grams. In the head model equipped with all metal objects, the highest electric field intensity of 0.52 V/m was observed at a frequency of 1.8 GHz. In simulations conducted for an average tissue mass of 1 gram on a pregnant model with a metal belly button ring, the highest SAR value in the fetus's lungs was measured at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, amounting to 52.15 mW/kg. In the same model and at the same frequency, the SAR value measured in the fetus's brain tissue was 39.33 mW/kg. The obtained results indicate that metal objects such as glasses, dental implants, and earrings may cause an increase in SAR values in the skin tissue, but they can also serve as a kind of shielding for deeper tissues. The values obtained for all frequencies are below the limits set by international organizations. KEYWORDS: Dosimetry, Electromagnetic waves, Non-ionizing dosimetry, Metal implant, Specific absorption rate. COMMITTEE: Prof. Dr. Şükrü ÖZEN (Supervisor) Prof. Dr. Selçuk HELHEL Prof. Dr. Mesud KAHRİMAN Prof. Dr. Ömer Halil ÇOLAK Asst. Prof. Dr. Gürkan BİLGİN