Paper detail

Assessment of Radio-Frequency Radiation Exposure Level from Selected Mobile Base Stations (MBS) in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

The acquisition and use of mobile phone is tremendously increasing especially in developing countries, but not without a concern. The greater concern among the public is principally over the proximity of mobile base stations (MBS) to residential areas rather than the use of handsets. In this paper, we present an assessment of Radio-Frequency (RF) radiation exposure level measurements and analysis of radiation power density (in W/sq m) from mobile base stations relative to radial distance (in metre). The minimum average power density from individual base station in the town was about 47uW/sq m while the average maximum was about 1.5mW/sq m. Our result showed that average power density of a base station decreased with increase in distance (away from base station) and that radiation intensity varies from one base station to another even at the same distance away. Our result (obtained signature of power density variation from data) was also compared the with an 'expected' signature. It was found that radiation from external sources (indicative) interfered with the reference base station and accounted for the deviation observed in this study. Finally, our result showed that the RF exposure hazard index in the town of Lokoja was below the permitted RF exposure limit to the general public recommended by ICRNIP. Useful recommendations were also made to the Policy and Regulatory Agencies responsible to Telephony in Nigeria.