An Assessment of Human Exposure to RF Radiation from Mobile Transceiver Stations in Minna, Okene and Birnin Kebi, Nigeria

Abstract

In the recent, there has been massive development in the use of mobile phones, especially in developing countries. But electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emissions from various mobile transceiver stations (MTS) have raised debates on whether they are hazardous to human or not. In this study, we aim at presenting an assessment of human exposure to RF radiation from mobile transceiver stations in [G1] Minna, Okene and Birnin Kebbi. The power flux densities radiations (W/m2) on residential buildings around the MTS were measured using a handheld Extech RF EMF strength meter. The highest mean power flux densities values recorded for Minna, Okene and Birnin Kebbi were 69.17 mW/m2, 42.98 mW/m2 and 37.98 mW/m2 while the least values were 2.11 mW/m2, 18.27 mW/m2 and 11.83mW/m2 respectively. The results show that the measured mean power flux densities from individual mobile transceiver stations (Minna, Okene and Birnin Kebbi) have been compared with a standard limit set by International Commission on [G2] NonIonising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The measured values were far below the concern limit. Therefore, RF emission from MTS in these study areas may pose no known health hazards to the general public within the chosen vicinity.