5G base stations contribution assessment of electromagnetic environment for various operating conditions

Introduction. In the context of the introduction of 5G cellular communication systems in a megalopolis, the problem of hygienic assessment of industrial and non-industrial conditions of human EMF exposure created by new communication systems and devices is of particular importance, taking into account their contribution to the overall level of the electromagnetic background.

The study aims are an instrumental assessment and analysis of the contribution of 5G generation base stations to the electromagnetic environment of a megacity under various operating scenarios.

Materials and methods. Frequency-selective measurements were carried out to assess the actual electromagnetic environment created by the operation of base stations of cellular communication networks of various generations (GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G) in commercial operation on the territory of a modern metropolis using the forced traffic generation method.

Results. Based on field measurement data, the authors assessed and analyzed the contribution of 5G generation cellular base stations to the electromagnetic environment in the megacity, including in conditions of forced generation of subscriber traffic. Studies have shown that the highest levels of EMF (up to 61.93 µW/cm²) were recorded at full load of two ATs, with 80% of the contribution coming from one BS of the 5G standard. When operating a single AT, the levels decreased to 44.2 µW/cm², and the contribution to the electromagnetic environment of the active BS reached 96%.

Limitations. The limitations of the study are determined by the number of control points considered, the type of measurements, and the operating modes used for the 5G generation BS in the FR1 range.

Conclusions. In the open territory of a megalopolis, when assessing the contribution of 5G BS to the electromagnetic environment, it is necessary to take into account the influence of subscriber traffic when developing and justifying criteria for hygienic assessment of EMF levels created by promising cellular communication standards.

Ethics. The study does not require the submission of a conclusion from the biomedical Ethics Committee or other documents.

Contributions:
Perov S.Yu. — research concept and design, collection of material, editing, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Belaya O.V. — research design, material collection and data processing, text writing, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article;
Mitriushina A.V. — data processing, text writing, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Acknowledgement. The authors would like to thank the National Center for Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Diseases (Karaganda), Kcell and Tele2 mobile operators of the Republic of Kazakhstan for their assistance in organizing and conducting research.

Funding. The study had no funding.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Received: 22.10.2025 / Accepted: 00.00.2025 / Published: 21.11.2025

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