This PubMed-listed review examines how 5G deployment (denser small cells and beamforming) changes RF-EMF exposure patterns and evaluates the validity of low-cost sensors for 5G exposure monitoring. Reviewing over 60 studies across Sub-6 GHz and emerging mmWave systems, it reports that well-calibrated low-cost sensors can approach professional instruments within a few dB, but highlights persistent challenges such as calibration drift, frequency coverage gaps, and data interoperability. The authors argue that standardized calibration protocols and open data frameworks could help low-cost sensors complement professional monitoring and improve transparency.

This exposure/compliance assessment study collected 5- and 30-minute transmitted power data over one month from more than 400 5G FR2 beamforming base stations in urban Japan to evaluate the IEC 62232:2025 “actual maximum approach.” All measured transmitted powers were below configured maxima, with 30-minute averaged normalized maxima reported as < -8 dB, while 5-minute averaged maxima reached about -3 dB under low UE counts. The authors report that the actual maximum approach can avoid overestimation for longer averaging times, but may underestimate exposure for stations with three or fewer UEs if power is not monitored and controlled.

This engineering paper reviews and classifies beamforming techniques in 5G New Radio and examines beam management procedures at Layer 1 and Layer 2. It analyzes the spectral spectrogram of Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) to illustrate how configuration parameters influence spectral occupancy and synchronization-related performance in different deployment scenarios, including FR2. The work is framed as technical optimization, with only a general note that such knowledge may inform safety considerations related to EMF exposure.