Analysis of human EMF exposure in close proximity scenarios to cellular system transmitters

Abstract

Wireless communication systems, particularly cellular network system, are the primary sources of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) due to their radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emission. Excessive exposure of human body to the RF-EMF has been associated with various potential health risks, including nerve stimulation, skin cancer, and alterations in cell membrane permeability. To safeguard human health and the environment, international regulatory bodies such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have established guidelines that define the maximum permissible levels of RF-EMF exposure. These guidelines are essential for ensuring that radiation levels remain within safe limits.

This study references the ICNIRP 2020 guidelines to evaluate the whole-body exposure compliance of cellular system deployments in Kampala against the permissible levels. Uganda’s telecommunications landscape has experienced rapid growth, marked by the introduction of 5G technology, a 64% internet penetration rate, 34.9 million mobile subscriptions, and over 4,963 base transceiver stations (BTSs). For this assessment, points of investigation (POIs) were strategically selected near radiating antennas at each identified cellular deployment site. The goal of this study was to characterize the RF-EMF exposure from cellular system transmitters in close proximity scenarios. This was achieved by measuring the Power Density (PD) from all the frequency bands in use today. At each POI, PD measurements were taken by directly aligning a spectrum analyzer with the radiating sector antenna. The study utilized an Aaronia AG spectrum analyzer (Spectran HF 60105, 700MHz - 2.5GHz) paired with an omnidirectional antenna (Omni log 90200) to accurately measure PD levels.

Across 46 sites, a total of 639 measurements were taken across 8 different frequency bands at 127 POIs. The results indicated an average overall exposure level of only 0.19% of the ICNIRP threshold, demonstrating minimal exposure. Notably, 5G technology contributed 37.56% to the total RF-EMF measured in Kampala. This translates to an overall average exposure of just 0.244% from 5G deployments, further emphasizing its low impact on overall exposure levels. However, the study also identified a few isolated sites with slightly elevated exposure levels, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure they remain within safe limits.

Keywords: RF-EMF, NIR, INCNIRP, Exposure