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SAR / Device Absorption

Analysis of the effect of mobile phone base station antenna loading on localized SAR and its consequences for measurements.

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Hansson B, Thors B, Törnevik C. · 2011

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Current cell tower SAR testing methods may underestimate actual human exposure due to inadequate measurement equipment and procedures.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers from Ericsson examined how current testing methods for measuring SAR (specific absorption rate) from cell tower antennas may be inaccurate. They found that the standard testing equipment and procedures used in Europe don't work properly for large, modern base station antennas because the test phantom (a device that simulates human tissue) is too small and interferes with the antenna's operation. The study suggests that SAR measurements from cell towers may be underestimated, meaning actual human exposure could be higher than regulatory assessments indicate.

Why This Matters

This research exposes a critical gap in how we measure EMF exposure from cell towers. The science demonstrates that our current testing methods may systematically underestimate SAR levels from modern base station antennas. What this means for you is that the exposure assessments used to determine 'safe' distances from cell towers could be based on flawed measurements. The reality is that as cell tower technology has evolved to use larger, more complex antenna arrays, our measurement techniques haven't kept pace. This study, conducted by industry researchers at Ericsson, actually strengthens the case for more conservative exposure limits since it suggests real-world exposures may exceed what current compliance testing indicates.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

In this work, the effect of antenna element loading on the localized specific absorption rate (SAR) has been analyzed for base station antennas.

The analysis was conducted in order to determine whether localized SAR measurements of large multi-e...

The obtained results show that SAR accuracy is affected by the presence of lossy material within dis...

A new methodology is instead proposed based on a larger, box-shaped, whole-body phantom.

Cite This Study
Hansson B, Thors B, Törnevik C. (2011). Analysis of the effect of mobile phone base station antenna loading on localized SAR and its consequences for measurements. Bioelectromagnetics. 32(8):664-672, 2011.
Show BibTeX
@article{b_2011_analysis_of_the_effect_2155,
  author = {Hansson B and Thors B and Törnevik C.},
  title = {Analysis of the effect of mobile phone base station antenna loading on localized SAR and its consequences for measurements.},
  year = {2011},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21647933/},
}
PubMed: 21647933

Cited By (10 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Current cell tower radiation measurements may be inaccurate according to 2011 research from Ericsson. The study found that standard testing equipment is too small for modern base station antennas, potentially underestimating actual human exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Cell towers may emit more radiation than official measurements indicate. Ericsson researchers discovered that existing test methods don't work properly with large modern antennas, suggesting that actual SAR (radiation absorption) levels could be higher than regulatory assessments show.
Cell phone tower radiation is measured using SAR testing with phantom devices that simulate human tissue. However, research shows these phantoms are too small for modern base station antennas, causing interference and potentially inaccurate readings of actual exposure levels.
Yes, large cell tower antennas can produce higher SAR levels than current testing reveals. The study found that standard measurement equipment interferes with antenna operation, leading to underestimated radiation absorption rates and potentially higher actual human exposure.
Current EMF testing methods use phantoms that are too small for modern base station antennas, according to Ericsson research. This causes power redistribution among antenna elements and coupling effects, making SAR measurements less accurate than they should be.