SPECIFIC ABSORPTION RATE AND RADIOFREQUENCY CURRENT-TO-GROUND IN HUMAN MODELS EXPOSED TO NEAR-FIELD IRRADIATION

To expand our knowledge of near-field radiofrequency energy absorption in occupationally exposed workers, we used coffin-sized calorimeters to measure specific absorption rate in full-size human models. The mod els were subjected to near-field irradiation at two frequencies at an outdoor groundplane facility. We also measured radiofrequency current- to-ground in the models to supplement a previous study at 29.9000 MHz. The results have enabled us to construct a frequency-independent math ematical relationship between specific absorption rate and radiofreque ncy current for the given exposure system. Moreover, the results show a favorable comparison to radiofrequency radiation dosimetry handbook predictions of average specific absorption rate when only the vertical electric field (E-field) component is used to normalize specific abso rption rate. Once determined on a case-by-case basis, the use of speci fic absorption rate vs. radiofrequency current curves for any exposure system or condition could be a simple and quick method to determine o nsite compliance with specific absorption rate-based exposure standard s.