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 assessment study compared RF-EMF measurements averaged over 1, 6, and 30 minutes using contiguous 1-minute data collected over 30 minutes at four indoor/outdoor sites across 15 frequency bands. Relative deviations between shorter averaging times and 30-minute averages were largely within ±3 dB. However, statistical comparisons of overall exposure variability between 1- or 6-minute and 30-minute averaging produced inconsistent results, with broadcast and most mobile services <2 GHz appearing broadly similar between 1- and 6-minute averaging.