Assessment of Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure from Selected Mobile Base Stations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The antennas from mobile base stations radiate non-ionizing radio frequency radiation into space. The human body can experience negative health effects from prolonged exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Because base station installations and telecommunication networks are growing, there is a growing need to address the health risks connected with exposure to telecommunication masts. Using the Electrosmog Meter Cornet Model, power density from many telecom masts owned by various network operators was measured in this investigation. At 10-meter intervals, the RF radiation in seven (7) settlements in Yenagoa town, located in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was measured within radial distances of 100 meters. With a mean value of 4.0569mWm-2, the measured values vary from 0.650mWm-2 to 9.810mWm-2. Still, values evolved. Nevertheless, additional factors, such as adjacent electromagnetic sources' wave interference or reference base station interference, caused readings to fluctuate. It was discovered that the greatest power density level was 9.810 mWm-2, and it was measured 20 meters away from the base station at site MBS1. As per the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and other regulatory authorities, the standard limit of 4.5Wm-2 for the 900 MHz system is not exceeded by the radiation exposure level, as the findings show. This shows that the exposure levels in these areas are low enough to not seriously jeopardize the health of those living in the research area.