Numerical analysis of the effect of 5G electromagnetic radiation on human head with metallic implants

With the advent of 5G communication technologies, concerns regarding electromagnetic (EM) radiation exposure, particularly in individuals with metallic implants, have gained significant attention. This study investigates the interaction of 5G EM radiation with a two-dimensional (2D) heterogeneous human head model comprising six layers: skin, fat, bone, dura, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain. The model is exposed to 5G frequencies (2.6, 3.6, 4.4, and 6 GHz) at a power level of 1 W, both in the absence and presence of stainless steel 410 implants (pin- and sphere-shaped) embedded within the bone layer. A coupled model of EM wave propagation and bio-heat transfer is solved in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 based on Finite Element Method (FEM). The results indicate that the presence of metallic implants increases the electric field intensity, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), and temperature within the tissues. The skin layer consistently demonstrates the highest absorption of electric field due to its proximity to the EM source and higher dielectric properties. Additionally, the absorption pattern across the different head layers is influenced by the dielectric and thermal characteristics of individual tissues. Metallic implants significantly alter the spatial distribution of hotspots in head, resulting in enhanced energy localization and deeper penetration in surrounding tissues. In several cases, SAR values exceed the safety limit (2 W/kg) recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Although the temperature rise remains within safe thresholds, prolonged or repeated exposure could pose thermal risks. These findings underscore the need to consider implant presence in EM safety assessments for 5G environments.