A Study on the Variation of Radiation Intensity of Telecommunication Tower Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions

Abstract

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy emitted and absorbed by charged particles; electromagnetic radiation is characterized by its biological effects on human cells. Mobile phone towers which emit electromagnetic radiation are intensively distributed in cities and towns. This requires studying their biological hazards. The study was designed and conducted on the basis of selection of the three major telecommunication companies towers in Sudan, namely ZAIN, SUDANI and MTN. Three different geographical locations were also selected including Khartoum state, red sea state and river Nile state. Number of (120) towers from each company was randomly selected in each of the three previously mentioned States (40towers for each company in particular state) for this study. The levels of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by hese towers were measured at different distances (5m ,10m , 15m , 20m ,25m, 30m) using the radiometer measurement . The results obtained indicated that increase in the horizontal distance from the tower is associated with gradual decrease in the electromagnetic radiation levels. This decrease of intensity with distance conforms to the theoretical relation. It was also observed that the height of towers affect the radiation intensity, where the radiation intensity increases as the height increases. This relation also agrees with the theoretical relation. Also the results obtained showed that the electromagnetic radiation levels measured from towers belonging to SUDANI Company is higher than those from towers of ZAIN and MTN companies in each state. However all electromagnetic radiation levels are still safe and within the permissible range of international allowed doses. It was also noted that electromagnetic radiation level measured from all V these towers collectively are higher in Khartoum state as compared to red sea and river Nile state. This might possibly be attributed to the higher number of these towers distributed in Khartoum state as compared to other states. Generally, the measurements employed showed that the level of electromagnetic radiation is not that significant and still safe with reference to the recommendation of world health organization (WHO) and international telecommunication corporation (ITC). Therefore a nonadverse obvious effect on the biological system is expected.However a ware should be taken for the long exposure time for these low doses. This study highlighted the levels and effects of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the towers in three states, thus, we recommend another future study should be carried out to include more states and other sources of electromagnetic radiation emissions, etc. cell phones, electricity lines and other electronic devices.