Assessment of Electromagnetic Radiation levels Emitted from Mobile Phones Base Stations in Accordance with Palestinian Protocol in Gaza Governorate

Abstract

The general objective of this study is to assess the electromagnetic radiation levels emitted from mobile base stations in Gaza Governorate. The mobile base stations distributed all over Gaza Governorate causing a considerable panic to inhabitants from electromagnetic radiation. The studied sites were selected from different regions in the Gaza Governorate, where fifty mobile base stations chosen, adopting a selection criteria of one site for each kilometer. The exposure of electromagnetic radiation levels generated due to these stations were measured and compared with standards of the Palestinian Protocol and some other international standards guidelines like ICNIRP, WHO, IEEE, Egypt and Iraq. A form of observation and questionnaire was designed, based on findings concluded from interviewing experts in this field. The measurements of power density, electric and magnetic field were detected by Narda-550. The results show that all stations are licensed by the EQA, but there is no any warning signs for any existing station. The distance between the antenna and the protective fence is greater than 5m away for 44 stations. The result also illustrates that the maximum value of electromagnetic radiation was which represents 19.3 % of the EQA, ICNIRP, WHO, IEEE, Egypt and Iraq standards. In addition the study shows that electromagnetic radiation levels are much lower than the exposure limit recommended by the international standards and Palestinian protocol. It has been noticed that there is no relationship between the electromagnetic radiation levels and the antenna heights at different distances. The result shows 42% of participants are thought that the wave of radiation means risk and 36% of participants are thought the radiation from mobile stations effect on human health while 52% of participants are assessed the process of government controls to stations weak. The study recommends modifying and upgrading existing protocols, also to raise public awareness and improving the government controls.