Radiation levels near cell towers measured in northeast Brazil
Non-Ionizing Radiation Analysis in Close Proximity to Antenna Tower: A Case Study in Northeast Brazil
Networking and Internet Architecture
Summary
People are exposed to low-level radiation from cell phone towers and other sources. The authors measured this radiation near antenna towers in Natal, Brazil, focusing on newer technologies like 4G and pre-5G. They compared their findings to national and international safety standards to see if people are exposed to safe levels. The study also looks at how radiation exposure varies throughout the day and among different groups. Their work helps to better understand everyday exposure to these signals.
What this means in practice
- •For telecommunications operators: Check radiation levels around antenna sites with active 4G and pre-5G services to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- •For public health regulators: Use detailed local radiation exposure data to refine regulations and assess population risk near antenna towers.
Authors
André B. F. Diniz, Vicente A. Souza, Marcio E. C. Rodrigues, Halysson B. Mendonça, Gutembregue S. Silva, Fred S. R. Pinheiro
Abstract
While the amount of telecommunications services grows rapidly in the whole world, humans get potentially more exposed to Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) from a number of different sources. This paper has a number of goals, including monitoring radiation levels in an everyday situation, an investigation of how national and international regulations organs address NIR levels and a demonstration of scientific production trends regarding this topic. The work also presents a bibliometric study about the main scientific productions and trends related to NIR measurements, with focus on the field of Telecommunications. Another contribution is a case study in Natal, Brazil, where NIR levels were monitored in four distinct locations over a period of 24 hours each and compared to the current regulations. The result is a quantitative analysis of the amount of radiation that some populations might be exposed to in distinct moments of the day. Measurements were carried out in the proximity of an antenna spot, since it could represent a source of high NIR levels (a worst case of human exposure). This campaign differs from older studies by including a more intense usage of microwaves frequencies due to operating 4G and pre-5G systems in Brazil. Finally, a statistical study involving the measurements is conducted, concluding the analysis of how some population groups might be affected by NIR.