What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to analyze how the absorption of radiofrequency energy differs with age using computational models.

March 26, 2026Open Access

Variation of bio-effect of EM radiation in 5G mobile communication with age in a voxel family as determined by CST model calculation

Key Points

The aim is to analyze how the absorption of radiofrequency energy differs with age using computational models.
Analyzed 5 anatomically shaped female phantoms representing different ages from baby to old woman.
Measured specific absorption rate (SAR) for RF bands at 4.45 GHz and 5.1 GHz.
Evaluated SAR values in skin, fat, and muscle tissues.
Compared estimated SAR values with the ICNIRP safety threshold.
SAR values varied significantly among different age phantoms.
Absorption levels in biological tissues showed differences based on anatomical and physiological changes with age.
Some age groups exceeded the ICNIRP safety threshold for RF exposure.

Abstract

The study presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). This quantity represents the amount of radiofrequency (RF) energy absorbed by the human body in various anatomically shaped female phantoms. These phantoms represent aspects of the human being, ranging from a baby, child, Emma (adolescent), and Donna (adult woman) to Laura (an old woman). It looks at three essential biological tissues—skin, fat, and muscle—to see how energy absorption of RF differs among these. The study is conducted for two RF bands: 4.45 GHz and 5.1 GHz, often present in wireless communication systems (including 5G), and SAR values that are accurately computed for every phantom at both frequencies to examine the effect of age-related anatomical and physiological differences on EM energy absorption. To be of public health concern, the estimated SAR values are compared with exposure guidelines proposed by the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), which limit the SAR for the general public to 0.08 W/kg. By comparing the SAR of the five phantoms with this safety threshold, the study not only identifies potential areas of concern but also provides insight into how susceptibility to RF can vary across different stages of the human life cycle.

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