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InternationalTelecommunicationUnion

Electromagnetic Radiation from MobileElectromagnetic Radiation from Mobile

Phones and their base stations: HealthPhones and their base stations: Health

EffectsEffects

Joseph K. Amoako

Radiation Protection Institute

Ghana Atomic Energy Commission

Regional Development Forum 2008

Bridging the Standardization Gap in Developing CountriesAccra, Ghana, 26-28 May 2008

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BACKGROUND (1)

Everyone is exposed to a complex

mix of Electromagnetic fields ofdifferent frequencies

The worldwide estimate of mobilephone users is over 1.6billion

In Ghana, it is estimated that

mobiles phone users numbers about8 million (35% of population)

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BACKGROUND (2)

There is increase in the number of base

stations installed mostly in residentialarea, school premises, etc.

Despite the tremendous benefit of mobile

phones and other related technologiesthere are public concerns about thepotential adverse health effects from

exposure to radio frequency radiationfrom base stations and handsets

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SOME STATISTICS IN GHANA

3.4million

78,000

220,000

360,375

1997

2001

2006

NUMBER OFMOBILESUBCRIBERS

NUMBER OFFIXED LINESYEAR

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CONCERNS FOR HEALTH

Given the number of mobile phone

users in Ghana, even a small adverseeffect on health could have a majorpublic health implication

A number of public agitation throughletters, public demonstration andlegal suits against installation of

mobile phone antennae in somecommunities have taken place

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Public Agitations in Ghana

Agitations are very strong in communities

such Aburi, Kitase, AhwereaseAshongman, Macarthy Hill and Temawhere the number of cell base stationshave increased in recent years

There are at least two court cases pendingin Accra on installation of mobile phonemasts in residential areasThese agitation had led to convening of

several meeting between operators, NCAand EPA but a permanent solution is yet tobe found.

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Examples of RF masts install very

close to homes leading to litigation

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Exposure Levels

Exposure situations presented by handsets

and base station are quite different , i.eRF exposure to users of mobile phones arehigher than to persons living near base

stationsThe heighest power density measuredfrom a base station around Ahwerease,Ghana was 0.00092W/cm2

Handsets, however, transmits RF onlywhile a call is talking on the phone.

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Handsets

Mobile Phone handsets are low-powered

RF transmitters emitting powers in therange of 0.2 to 0.6 watt

The RF field strength falls of rapidly with

distance from handsetIf hands free kits are used exposure ismuch lower for a user who places the

headset against the head/ear.

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Base Station

A typical base station transmit power levels froma few watts to 100watts or more depending onthe size of the region or cell

Typical Base station antenna is about 30cm wideand a metre long, mounted on building or towersof height of 15 to 50m above ground.Intensity at ground directly under antenna is low.

RF field intensity increases slightly as movesaway from the base station and then decreasesat greater distancesTypical power density values measured in Ghana

averaged 0.0006W/cm2

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Health Effects

Review of scientific publication show that

whereas RF can interact with body tissues suchinteractions can not cause adverse health effect.

Very low temperature change have beencalculated using mathematical models at the

Radiation Protection InstituteFor example maximum calculated temperaturerise in the head was 0.017oC for 1.7W/Kg SAR

Current scientific evidence and data indicate that

exposure to RF is such that emission from mobilephones and their base station is unlikely toinduce or promote cancers.

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Other health effects and risks

Some studies have reveal the increase

incidence of motor accidents attributableto use of mobile phones while driving

There are also scientific reports of

increase changes in brain activity, reactiontime and sleep disturbances. There is stillthe need for more research to confirm

some of these findings.

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Electromagnetic Hypersensitive

Subpopulation: Do they exist?

Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EHS) being anemerging public health issue is a self declarationbased on own experience

Scientific review indicate it is prevalent in:

- California (3.2%,Levallois 2002)

- United Kingdom( 4%, Eltiti, 2007- Germany(8 10%, Infas, 2002 -2007)

- Switzerland ( 5%, Schreier, 2006)

There is no scientific data on EHS in Ghana eventhough there are occasional reports fromindividual of perceived symptoms

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Recommendations

Adoption and adherence to international healthbased guidelines as a precautionary measureLocal regulations on installation of RF antennaeand use of handsets should be strictly enforceConsultation with communities on siting of basestation should made part of licensingrequirementsPublic education to address fears and concerns

Strict enforcement of laws regarding use ofphones whilst drivingResearch institution should be encouraged andresourced to under take research into health

effects of RF emissions

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Additional Recommendation for BaseStations installation

In addition to Compliance with ICNIRP guidelines the followingprecautionary measures are shall be adopted for Macro BaseStation Antenna:Installation of Base Station Antennas within the premises ofschools and hospitals may be avoided to the extent possible

because children and patient are more susceptible to EMFInstallation of Base Station Antennas in narrow lanes shouldbe avoided in order in order to reduce the risks caused by anyearth quake or wind related disaster.The base station antennas should be at least 3 m away from

the nearby building and antennas should not directly facebuilding. Further the lower end of the antenna should be atleast 3 m above the ground or roof. Exclusion zones should bedetermined and defined by acceptable physical barriers andappropriate gating. The physical barrier shall be a minimum

of 3 meters in height within the curtilage of the site to preventintrusion.In case of multiple transmitter sites at a specific localitysharing of a common tower infrastructure, should be explored,as far possible, which can be coordinated through a nodalagency.