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Radio Frequency

Radio frequency radiation (RFR) from TV and radio transmitters at a pilot region in Turkey.

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Sirav B, Seyhan N · 2009

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Multiple radio transmitters in one area can create radiation levels four times higher than safety standards allow.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Turkish researchers measured radio frequency radiation levels around a transmission site in Ankara that houses 64 TV and radio towers plus a mobile phone base station near residential areas. They calculated that radiation levels were approximately four times higher than Turkey's safety standards (which match international ICNIRP guidelines). The study highlights how multiple transmitters in one location can create cumulative exposures that exceed regulatory limits.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a critical gap in how we regulate EMF exposure in the real world. While individual transmitters may comply with safety standards, this research shows that when multiple sources operate in proximity, the combined radiation can far exceed what regulators consider safe. What makes this particularly concerning is the location near residential communities, where people experience this elevated exposure continuously. The reality is that our current regulatory framework evaluates transmitters individually rather than considering cumulative exposure from multiple sources. This Turkish study demonstrates why we need more comprehensive field measurements around transmission sites, especially those near homes and schools. The finding that actual exposure levels reached four times the safety limit underscores the importance of independent monitoring rather than relying solely on theoretical calculations from industry data.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

For the last 30 y, the biological effects of non-ionising radiation (NIR: 0-300 GHz) have been a major topic in bioelectromagnetism. Since the number of radiofrequency (RF) systems operating in this frequency range has shown an incredible increase over the last few decades, the dangers of exposure to the fields generated thereby has become an important public health issue. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the level of RF electromagnetic radiation in Yenimahalle Sentepe Dededoruk Hill in Ankara, Turkey that is a multiple-transmitter site hosting 64 different TV and radio towers and one base station for mobile phone communication

The site has been of interest as it is nearby a residential community.

Within the technical input data available on 31 of the radio and TV transmitters, the calculated rad...

Cite This Study
Sirav B, Seyhan N (2009). Radio frequency radiation (RFR) from TV and radio transmitters at a pilot region in Turkey. Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 136(2):114-117. 2009.
Show BibTeX
@article{b_2009_radio_frequency_radiation_rfr_2603,
  author = {Sirav B and Seyhan N},
  title = {Radio frequency radiation (RFR) from TV and radio transmitters at a pilot region in Turkey.},
  year = {2009},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19671591/},
}
PubMed: 19671591

Cited By (19 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Turkish researchers found that radiation levels around 64 TV and radio towers in Ankara were four times higher than international safety standards. Multiple transmitters in one location create cumulative exposures that can exceed regulatory limits, potentially affecting nearby residents.
A 2009 study in Turkey measured radiation from radio and TV transmitters near residential areas and found levels approximately four times higher than permitted safety standards. The research highlights concerns about cumulative exposure from multiple broadcasting towers.
Yes, research from Ankara, Turkey demonstrates that multiple transmitters in one location create cumulative radiation exposure. The study found that 64 TV and radio towers produced radiation levels four times higher than international safety guidelines.
Turkish researchers found that radiation from TV and radio transmitters can exceed safety standards by approximately four times when multiple towers operate in one area. The study emphasizes the need for electromagnetic field measurements near broadcasting sites.
A study of 64 TV and radio towers in Turkey found radiation levels four times higher than international safety standards in nearby residential areas. The research suggests cumulative exposure from multiple transmitters may pose health concerns.