Compliance boundaries for multiple-frequency base station antennas in three directions.
Thielens A, Vermeeren G, Kurup D, Joseph W, Martens L. · 2013
View Original AbstractCell tower safety distances may be inadequate when multiple frequencies operate simultaneously, potentially underestimating real-world exposure risks.
Plain English Summary
Researchers analyzed how close people can safely get to cell tower antennas operating at different frequencies (900 MHz to 2600 MHz) without exceeding safety limits. They found that current safety guidelines aren't always protective when the antenna is small compared to body size, and determined specific distances needed for compliance in front, back, and side positions. The study provides a method for calculating safe distances when multiple frequencies operate simultaneously.
Why This Matters
This research reveals a critical gap in how we assess cell tower safety. The finding that reference levels aren't always conservative when antennas are small relative to body size suggests our current approach may underestimate exposure risks in real-world scenarios. What makes this particularly relevant is that modern cell towers increasingly use smaller, multi-frequency antennas to accommodate 4G and 5G networks. The study's focus on cumulative exposure from multiple frequencies operating simultaneously addresses a growing concern as telecommunications infrastructure densifies. For the public, this means the posted safety distances around cell towers may not always provide adequate protection, especially for workers and residents near these installations.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz (GSM900), GSM1800
Study Details
The aim of this study is to observe Compliance boundaries for multiple-frequency base station antennas in three directions.
Compliance boundaries and allowed output powers are determined for the front, back, and side of mult...
The reference levels are not always conservative when the radiating part of the antenna is small com...
Using the errors on the estimated allowed powers, an uncertainty analysis is carried out for the compliance distances. Uncertainties on the compliance distances are found to be smaller than 122%.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_2013_compliance_boundaries_for_multiplefrequency_2620,
author = {Thielens A and Vermeeren G and Kurup D and Joseph W and Martens L.},
title = {Compliance boundaries for multiple-frequency base station antennas in three directions.},
year = {2013},
doi = {10.1002/bem.21778},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.21778},
}