Model Variability in Assessment of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields

The recent advances in computational dosimetry for electromagnetics and thermodynamics are reviewed to assess human exposure to electromagnetic fields in the MHz-to-terahertz range. This review emphasizes model variability in computational dosimetry. Apart from computational electromagnetic methods and their usage, the developments in anatomical phantoms and tissue dielectric properties characterization are also surveyed. In addition, the rationale for dosimetric quantities prescribed in international exposure guidelines, such as the specific absorption rate (SAR) and absorbed power density, is revisited in relation to their correlation with local and core temperature rises in various tissues and populations. A heating factor, which is defined as a steady-state temperature rise per SAR, for the brain, eye lens, skin, and body core is evaluated to estimate heating resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields. The transition of a physical quantity in the guidelines at 6 GHz, from SAR to the absorbed power density, is discussed along with the optimal spatial averaging volume and areas. Computational evaluations of product compliance, 5G devices, and wireless power transfer systems are also reviewed. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge, identify key sources of computational model variability and uncertainty, and outline further research needs for setting exposure guidelines and compliance assessment.