Risks Associated with Radio-frequency Radiation Exposure at Close Proximities to Mobile Phone Base Stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

This paper evaluates risks associated with Radio-frequency radiation exposure at close proximities to Mobile Phone Base Stations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It involved the use of RF field strength meter, a portable meter with a GPS. Clusters of telecommunication base stations in Port Harcourt were selected for this study, which are located in Rumuokoro, Mile 3, Garrison and Mile 1. The readings were taken from 5 m to 400 m from the telecommunication base stations (masts) in the north, south, east and west directions at about 1.0 m above the ground. The power density obtained ranged between 0.121 µW/cm2 and 10.847121 µW/cm2. The highest total power density and specific absorption rate were recorded at mile 1 location as 10.847 µW/cm2 and 3,639.17 µW/kg respectively. These results are below the standards stipulated by the International commission on non-ionizing radiation which is adopted by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). The recommended permissible limits guidelines for safe frequencies between 400 and 2000 MHz, for occupational exposure is 22.5 W/m2, and general public is 4.5 W/m2 for 900 MHz. This means that at a distance of 5 m to 400 m away from the mast is safe according to these recommend permissible limit though there could be a long term effect on those residing at such distance permanently.