POSSIBLE EFFECT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON HUMAN HEALTH

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Scientifically, there are several reports that the electromagnetic radiation has now become the main man-made source of environmental radioactivity (Andrew, 2008). The negative effects of non ionizing radiation have been reported by scientists. George Carlo demonstrated the unwillingness of the cell phone companies to admit in public the results and to be responsible for the impacts this technology has in the human body in his book ―Cell phones invisible hazards in the wireless age‖(Andrea, 2007).The biggest immediate concern is that the cellular telecommunications companies are targeting the younger generation. These particular groups of people have thinner skulls which do not block as much radiation as an adult’s skull does, a more sensitive nervous system, not such a strong immune system, an increased rate of cell division, which is the reason why cell damages spread faster (Andrea, 2007).

Living closer to a cell phone antenna, can cause in children more than in any other group of people; cancer, loss of memory, attention and concentration disorders, sleep disorders, mental disorders and hyperactivity among others (Eltitiet al, 2007).

In Valladolid, Spain, a cellular telecommunications antenna had to be removed after

11 children have been diagnosed with cancer within a short period of time (Eltitiet al, 2007). In New Zealand, cell phone towers are prohibited close to schools due to possible health hazards such as learning disabilities and brain tumors. Furthermore, studies by Prof. Roger Santini, France and Prof. A. Enrique Navarro, Spain and others, proved that the symptoms of illness found within a radius of between 300-400 meters from mobile telephone transmitters as the so-called microwave syndrome. This includes sleep disturbances, headaches, exhaustion, headaches, impaired concentration, tinnitus, heat sensations on the ears and many other effects (Eltitiet al, 2007).

A number of countries have developed and/or adopted national or international guidelines for checking and ensuring that emissions from installed wireless communication systems conform to electromagnetic field (EMF) safety levels. The adopted guidelines specify the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limits of EMF or radio frequency (RF) energy that may be allowed into the environment for the general public. The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards and guidelines are widely used for setting national standards to restrict human bodies to EMF exposure (LEAC, 2010). Exposure standards usually referred to electric and magnetic component or power density limits. They are individually measured when it is required by the field properties related to the field regions. Nigeria, through an act of its National Assembly, is poised to adopt the ICNIRP standard.

This research therefore intends to assess the Possible effect of electromagnetic fields on human health. The findings of the study will help to fill the gap in existing literature.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

The radiations emitted from antenna are non-ionizing, as the energy is too low to cause direct ionization which can break chemical bonds in biological systems. But exposure to these radiations over a long period of time may become harmful (Bhat, 2013). In general the exposure to electromagnetic waves (EMW) from different sources is divided into two categories ‖continuous‖ and ‖pulsed‖ according to the characteristics of the emitted waves. The biological effect of pulsed wave exposure are even more harmful than that of the continuous  variety from other sources (Bhat, 2013).There are health effects that can occur  when the human body is exposed to high levels of radio frequency (RF) energy. Base transceiver stations (BTS) or mobile base stations produce non-ionizing RF energy that is radiated through its antennas into space. Although the amount of RF energy emitted by a base station is relatively low to constitute health hazards to humans, a poorly installed or configured BTS could stray from the envisioned operating standards and function out of compliance, thus emitting high level of RF energy that exposes humans and equipment to unsafe radiation and its attendant hazards.

Some of the biological effects are thermal effects that affects the eyes and the male testes, non thermal effects may affect in vivo cell membrane structure and function. Besides, the BTS is an emitter of electromagnetic fields (EMF), which can exceed the safety limits depending on the operating power, power gain, frequency, orientation, and directivity of the transmitting antenna‖ (ITU, 2009). Spurious emissions by unintentional emitters can also cause telecommunications equipment to produce EMF.

However, such unintentional emitters do not need any EMF safety assessment to assure

BTS compliance with safety limits (ITU, 2009). Inhabitants living near mobile phone base stations suffered from frequent headaches, memory changes, dizziness, tremors, depressive syndrome and sleep disturbance (Bevelaqua, 2015).

1.3 Aim and Objective of the Study

The aim of this work is to assess the Possible effect of electromagnetic fields on human health.

This work is therefore set out to achieve the following objectives.

• To evaluate Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure Level by measuring

Power Density from Selected Mobile Base Stations (MBS).

• To analyse the radiation power density (in W/m²) from mobile base

stations relative to radial distance (in metre).

• To determine whether or not the radio frequency emissions from serving BTSs exceed the maximum permissible exposure limits.
• To assess the safety limits of the proximity of base stations to both residential and official residences.

1.4   Justification

Since people are exposed to various types of non ionizing radiations depending on their sources, effects and penetrating power, in particular, effects of radio-wave and microwaves emitted by communication antennas erected within living areas. It is imperative that we assess the situation in relation to health related problems that the public may be exposed to, and to draw their attention and that of the government to it.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

This research examined literature on Possible effect of electromagnetic fields on human health.  This research will cover some selected telecommunication masts and is limited to only those within Sabongari, Zaria and Giwa local government areas of Kaduna state.

POSSIBLE EFFECT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON HUMAN HEALTH

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