Exploring research trends in health effects of 5G antennas: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Institution: Ericsson, Sony Corporation, University Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, National Institute Of Technology (NIT) System, Polytechnic University Of Milan, Zhejiang University, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR) Tags: 5G, health effects, specific absorption rate, power density, electromagnetic fields, bibliometric analysis, public health DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2025.2539147 URL: tandfonline.com Overview This study explores research conducted on potential health effects related to 5G antennas. 5G is the latest wireless communication technology designed to increase internet speeds and connect more devices simultaneously. As 5G technology expands, antennas operating at different frequencies are being widely installed, raising public concerns about their safety and possible health impacts. To better understand these developments and trends, the authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies published in the Web of Science database from 2012 to 2025. Dosimetric quantities "Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)" and "Power Density (Sab)"—core measurements for examining the health impacts of antennas—were thoroughly defined and their regulatory limits outlined. Findings - Advanced information visualization technology was used to explore the yearly distribution of literature, author contributions, collaborations, top institutions, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence. - AI-assisted forecasting projected the numbers of relevant publications and citations for 2025-2029, with a notable increase in studies, particularly those centered on SAR and Sab measurement. - There has been a considerable increase in research output over the past five years with a focus on the health risks associated with electromagnetic exposure from 5G antennas, especially smartphone and emerging wearable antennas. - Most research currently emphasizes smartphone antennas, but there is rising interest in wearable devices and health-monitoring technologies in relation to EMF exposure. Conclusion The study underscores the necessity for ongoing research into the health risks of 5G EMF exposure, particularly with reference to SAR and Sab compliance. It highlights: - A strong and growing scientific and regulatory focus on the potential biological and health effects of 5G-related electromagnetic fields. - The need for interdisciplinary collaboration in bioelectromagnetic safety, regulatory initiatives, and improvement of data analysis techniques. - Current and future research will guide policymakers and help protect public health as 5G deployment and EMF exposure expand. These findings strongly reinforce the connection between 5G EMF exposure and health risk, justifying the continued attention and study of such potential impacts.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

A bibliometric analysis of Web of Science publications (201262025) found increasing research output in the past five years on potential health effects of EMF exposure from 5G antennas, with emphasis on dosimetric quantities SAR and power density (Sab) and their regulatory limits. The analysis reports growing focus on smartphone antennas and rising interest in wearable and health-monitoring devices, and includes AI-assisted forecasting of publications/citations for 202562029.

Outcomes measured

• research trends/publication output
• specific absorption rate (SAR)
• power density (Sab)
• regulatory limits/compliance focus
• health effects (as a research topic)

Limitations

• This is a bibliometric analysis and does not report primary health outcome effects in exposed populations.
• Data source limited to Web of Science (as stated).
• No specific exposure levels (e.g., frequency, SAR, power density values) or health endpoints are quantified in the abstract.

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.78)
  Focuses on 5G antennas, regulatory limits, and implications for policymakers.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "5G antennas",
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    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
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        "specific absorption rate (SAR)",
        "power density (Sab)",
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    ],
    "main_findings": "A bibliometric analysis of Web of Science publications (2012\u001962025) found increasing research output in the past five years on potential health effects of EMF exposure from 5G antennas, with emphasis on dosimetric quantities SAR and power density (Sab) and their regulatory limits. The analysis reports growing focus on smartphone antennas and rising interest in wearable and health-monitoring devices, and includes AI-assisted forecasting of publications/citations for 2025\u001962029.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "This is a bibliometric analysis and does not report primary health outcome effects in exposed populations.",
        "Data source limited to Web of Science (as stated).",
        "No specific exposure levels (e.g., frequency, SAR, power density values) or health endpoints are quantified in the abstract."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "5G",
        "antennas",
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "EMF",
        "health effects",
        "bibliometric analysis",
        "specific absorption rate",
        "SAR",
        "power density",
        "public health",
        "wearables",
        "smartphone"
    ],
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        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
            "reason": "Focuses on 5G antennas, regulatory limits, and implications for policymakers."
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