Measurement and evaluation of electromagnetic radiation exposure from antennas in cellular networks in Ghana

Cellular systems use radio and microwave energy which is non-ionising in nature. The extensive use of cell phones has led to cell phone towers (base stations) being positioned in lots of communities flouting safety distance rules. There are instances where concerned citizens question field engineers of telecommunication networks for the citing of their towers in fear of possible radiation effects. In this research, NIR levels in power density at forty (40) locations were measured averaged over two hours, estimated and compared with the minimum safety limits of 4.055 W/m² for cellular systems in Ghana, to ensure that public health safety limits are not violated. The maximum cumulative radiation was found to be 862.9 W/m² for residence near base stations during peak hours, which constitutes less than 1% of 4.055 W/m² minimum safety limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-ionising Protection (ICNIRP). The results of the investigation show that cellular system radiation emissions of the selected locations do not pose any health threat to the general public in their current capacity.