Assessment of radiofrequency radiation exposure level from selected base transceiver stations in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

With the growth of mobile phone technology globally, which has also influenced the number of mobile phone masts, the effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) have been a major concern of scientist globally. Many literatures have described the effects on the human health and his environment. We embarked on this study to assess the power densities of RFR from base transceiver stations (BTS) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Electrosmog meter was used, the power densities of RFR were taken from 12 BTS across 4 Local Governments in Ogbomoso at different distances. The power densities were measured to evaluate the mean power densities across Ogbomoso and its environment with the standard values provided by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The maximum average 718.6 μW/m2 was observed at 25 m away from the mast, which is below the ICNIRP guidelines. The results showed that the radiation level in the Local Governments is below the ICNIRP limit. Hence, we recommend that individuals should keep their exposure as low as reasonably achievable.