Assessment of radio-frequency radiation exposure level from selected mobile base stations (MBS) in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Type Working Paper
Title Assessment of radio-frequency radiation exposure level from selected mobile base stations (MBS) in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
URL http://cds.cern.ch/record/1483437
Abstract
The acquisition and use of mobile phone is tremendously increasing
especially in developing countries, but not without a concern. The greater concern
among the public is principally over the proximity of mobile base stations (MBS)
to residential areas rather than the use of handsets. In this paper, we present
an assessment of Radio-Frequency (RF) radiation exposure level measurements and
analysis of radiation power density (in W/m2
) from mobile base stations relative
to radial distance (in metre). The minimum average power density from individual
base station in the town was about 47µW/m2 while the average maximum was about
1.5mW/m2
. Our result showed that average power density of a base station decreases
with increase in distance (away from base station) and that radiation intensity varies
from one base station to another even at the same distance away. Our result (obtained
signature of power density variation from data) was also compared the with ‘expected’
signature. It was found that radiation from external sources (indicative) interfered
with the reference base station and accounted for the deviation observed in this
study. Finally, our result showed that the RF exposure hazard index in the town of
Lokoja was below the permitted RF exposure limit to the general public recommended
by ICRNIP. Useful recommendations were also made to the Policy and Regulatory
Agencies responsible to Telephony in Nigeria.

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