Investigation of the Main Lobe Distance of Transmitted Power Density from GSM Transceiver Base Stations in South-South Nigeria

The potential health issues relating to cellular or mobile communication transceiver base station antennas (BSAs) and other radio communication facilities emphasize the importance of having an accessible and easy to understand information on electromagnetic (EM) and radiofrequency radiation (RFR) levels in the surrounding environment. In this study, measurement of radiofrequency exposure due to cellular transceiver base station antennas was carried out. Far field measurements of power density and electric field strength were made around selected transceiver base station antennas in selected states South-South Nigeria, with the aid of frequency dependent equipment (CORNET, Electrosmog meter ED78S EMF RF/LF Dual mode model). The peak power density values of 8.411 mW/m2 in Benin, 4.168 mW/m2 in Calabar, 5.520 mW/m2 in Port Harcourt and 12.940 mW/m2 in Yenagoa along the main lobes were observed at 75 and 100 m from the foot of the BTS. These power density values are less than 9000 mW/m2 (9 W/m2) ICNIRP limit for the public exposure but are far above threshold value of 0.1 mW/m2 established by the EU parliament, (1999).