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Med. Pr. 2006;57(5):415-418

Assessment of electromagnetic fields intensity emitted by cellular phone base stations in surrounding flats - a preliminary study

Ocena wielkości pól elektromagnetycznych emitowanych przez stacje bazowe telefonii komórkowej w mieszkaniach znajdujących się w

Marek Zmyślony1, Piotr Politański1, Paweł Mamrot1, Alicja Bortkiewicz2 Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland

Abstract

Background: A rapid development of mobile telecommunications (MT) has resulted in an increased concern about possible detrimental health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by MT systems, and by MT base stations in particular. Research into EMFs effects on the health of inhabitants living in their vicinity requires first of all a solid assessment of the exposure level. Up to now, the reports in this field have been rather scant. This article presents the results of preliminary measurements of EMFs fields in selected flats around selected base stations in the city of Łódź. Material and Methods: Measurements of electric field strength, E, to assess EMF exposure were based on the standard procedures currently in force in Poland. As the study is regarded as a preliminary one, the measurements were conducted in buildings with the expected largest radiation. Results: The measurements show that in the flats located up to 500 m from the base station, EMFs are within the limits specified by relevant Polish regulations on the general public and environmental protection. It was also observed that in a few (less than 10%) flats the field with E exceeded 0.8 V/m. Conclusions: The results show that there are no correlations between electric field strength and distance between the flat and the base station. Therefore, the distance from the base station cannot be used to represent the exposure rate; to determine the latter, EMF measurements are necessary.

Key words

microwaves, general public exposure, electric field