Evaluation of Magnetic Field Exposure and Associated Health Risk Around AIT and NTA Broadcasting Stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of magnetic field intensity around African Independence Television (AIT), and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was successfully carried out. This survey was executed with the use of a portable handheld electromagnetic radiation meter Bentech-GM 3120 model that measures magnetic field intensity and Global Positioning System (GPS) to record the geographical coordinates of the sample location. Thirty (30) distinct sampling points were randomly measured in each of the locations.  For AIT, the value of the magnetic field intensity ranged from 0.50 to 3.46 μT with a mean of 1.79 ± 0.66 μT; while for NTA, the magnetic field intensity varied from 1.14 to 5.78 μT with a mean of 2.49±1.18μT. Contour mapping of the sample locations were plotted with the use of Golden Surfer(V-20) in both 2-D, and 3-D respectively. For the AIT location, area of high magnetic field intensity is found in the South-east direction, while the least values are predominantly found within the South-west and North-west axis. For the NTA, area of high magnetic field intensity were present in the North-east axis, and the least values lies within the North-west, and South-east direction. Both values were lesser than the stipulated set standard limit of 100 μT as recommended by ICNIRP. Therefore, the residence and populace who carried out their daily activities within these base-stations are safe from the health hazards of exposure to magnetic field intensity. It is also, recommended that periodic routine check-ups should be carried out in case of future danger.