This conference paper uses COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to evaluate thermal and SAR-based exposure limits for modeled human skin exposed to terahertz radiation (0.1–5 THz). The authors report negligible temperature increases at power densities consistent with keeping SAR below 1.6 W/kg, but note that higher power densities can yield minimal heating while producing SAR values above recognized safety thresholds. They conclude that existing sub-THz standards are not directly transferable to the full THz band and call for updated guidelines, especially for prolonged exposure.

This paper uses advanced electromagnetic simulations of human skin microstructure to model exposure to realistic pulsed 5G/6G signals at 3.5, 27, 77, and 300 GHz. It reports localized, inhomogeneous absorption patterns linked to sweat glands and blood vessels, suggesting that treating skin as homogeneous may miss hotspots. The authors conclude that SAR-based standards may be inadequate for mmWave/sub-THz exposures and could underestimate potential risks, including possible nerve excitation.