Measurement and analysis of radiofrequency radiations from some mobile phone base stations in Ghana.
Amoako JK, Fletcher JJ, Darko EO. · 2009
View Original AbstractCell tower radiation in Ghana measured 20 times higher than similar international studies, despite meeting safety guidelines.
Plain English Summary
Researchers measured radiofrequency radiation levels around 50 cell phone towers in Ghana to assess public exposure. They found radiation levels that were 20 times higher than typically measured in similar studies elsewhere, though still within international safety guidelines. The study highlights significant variation in exposure levels around cell towers and raises concerns about increasing radiation as mobile phone usage grows.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a troubling pattern we see repeatedly in EMF research: exposure levels that technically comply with safety guidelines but exceed what's typically found elsewhere by substantial margins. The 20-fold difference compared to other countries suggests either measurement methodology issues or genuinely higher exposure conditions in Ghana's telecommunications infrastructure. What makes this particularly concerning is the researchers' own conclusion that current levels need reduction, especially given projected increases in mobile phone usage. The science demonstrates that even 'compliant' levels can vary dramatically between locations, and regulatory bodies often set guidelines based on industry-favorable interpretations of safety data. Put simply, meeting current safety standards doesn't necessarily mean the exposure is without risk, particularly when independent researchers are calling for reductions in these supposedly 'safe' levels.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 0.000000001 - 0.000001 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 900 MHz
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
A survey of the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation at public access points in the vicinity of 50 cellular phone base stations has been carried out. The primary objective was to measure and analyse the electromagnetic field strength levels emitted by antennae installed and operated by the Ghana Telecommunications Company.
On all the sites measurements were made using a hand-held spectrum analyser to determine the electri...
The results were found to be in compliant with the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiolog...
There is therefore a need to re-assess the situation to ensure reduction in the present level as an increase in mobile phone usage is envisaged within the next few years.
Show BibTeX
@article{jk_2009_measurement_and_analysis_of_818,
author = {Amoako JK and Fletcher JJ and Darko EO.},
title = {Measurement and analysis of radiofrequency radiations from some mobile phone base stations in Ghana.},
year = {2009},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19584141/},
}