Assessment of human exposure to realistic radio-frequency sources by means of analytical and computational methodologies

An overview of various analytical and computational methodologies for the assessment of the human exposure to radio-frequency (RF) sources is provided. Different methodologies find application in different exposure conditions, for instance in the near or far field of RF sources, or in indoor or outdoor environments. Exposure metrics can be the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is the basic restriction defined in international safety standards, or derived incident field levels. The thermal load produced by RF energy deposition is also addressed by referring to the numerical solution of the Pennes¿ bio-heat equation. Suitability of various methodologies to address different exposure conditions is discussed also in relation to present trends in safety and compliance standards.