Telecommunication Mast Siting Near Residential Areas: Potential Carcinogenic Risks, Public Health Risks and Regulatory Gaps in a Sub-Saharan African Context

Abstract

There is rapid growth and expansion of Telecommunication industry and infrastructures worldwide. In sub-Sahara Africa this has led to increased erection of base transceiver stations (BTS) often close to residential areas. The siting of telecommunication masts around residential buildings is often done without sufficient health and environmental risk assessments and adequate regulatory oversight. All these raise serious public health concerns, leading to community anxiety and agitations. In this review, we explore the existing regulations and monitoring of the siting of telecommunication masts in a sub-Saharan Africa nation, with the associated carcinogenic and public health implications, using Nigeria as a case study. This study uses a narrative review approach to synthesize data from national regulatory documents, international guidelines and peer reviewed literature with regards to the current understanding of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), the siting of telecommunication masts, as well as possible carcinogenic and public health concern of exposure to EMR from telecommunication masts. Policy frameworks, enforcement and monitoring, were analysed and compared with international standards. This work reveals systemic regulatory gaps, some uncoordinated approaches, poor public consultation and communication and lack of adequate health sector involvement in siting of telecommunication masts. The findings in the review, highlight the need for policy reform, that will, among other things, ensure international standard as well as adherence to safety limits in siting the masts, knowing the possible carcinogenic and other health issues raised by the studies so far. Highlighted also is the need for inter-sectoral collaboration, including but not restricted to; policy makers, urban planners, telecommunication companies, public health experts and community engagement to safeguard environmental and public health. The outcome of this review may be valuable for other developing, low, and middle income countries facing similar challenges in balancing technological growth with public health protection.