Analysis of RF Exposure in the Head Tissues of Children and Adults

Abstract

This paper analyzes the radio frequencies (RF) exposure in the head tissues ofchildren using a cellular handset or RF sources (a dipole and a generic handset) at 900, 1800, 2100 and 2400 MHz. Based on magnetic resonance imaging, child head models have been developed. The maximum specific absorptionrate (SAR) over 10 g in the head has been analyzed in seven child and six adultheterogeneous head models. The influence of the variability in the same ageclass is carried out using models based on a morphing technique. The SARover 1 g in specific tissues has also been assessed in the different types of childand adult head models. Comparisons are performed but nevertheless need tobe confirmed since they have been derived from data sets of limited size. Thesimulations that have been performed show that the differences between themaximum SAR over 10 g estimated in the head models of the adults andthe ones of the children are small compared to the standard deviations. Butthey indicate that the maximum SAR in 1 g of peripheral brain tissues of thechild models aged between 5 and 8 years is about two times higher than inadult models. This difference is not observed for the child models of childrenabove 8 years old: the maximum SAR in 1 g of peripheral brain tissues is aboutthe same as the one in adult models. Such differences can be explained by thelower thicknesses of pinna, skin and skull of the younger child models. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)

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