Analysis of RF Radiation and its Health Effects in Lunglei District of Mizoram

Abstract

In this paper we present the study of how Radio Frequency (RF) Radiations emitted by mobile base stations effects human health on thirteen different non-specific health symptoms residing in the vicinity of base stations. The survey was conducted on people living within and beyond 50m from mobile base station in Lunglei district, Mizoram for the first time since mobile tower was erected in 2008. Power density from mobile towers have also been measured within and outside 50m from the station for GSM900 and GSM1800 in the same locality. The measured average power densities have been compared with standard limits given by various scientific bodies like International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP,1998), Bioinitiative Report (2012), Salzburg Resolution (2000) and current Indian National Standards. It has been found that the measured power density were well below the recommended limit given by ICNIRP,1998 and the Indian standard (2013) in all the selected sites of study, whereas in four localities the average power density was found to be higher than the recommended limits of Bioinitiative Report,2012 and Salzburg Resolution. Questionnaire survey was also conducted on different health symptoms faced by the inhabitants close to the base stations. The results were statistically analysed based on exposure and sex. From the correlation studies, it has been found that more is the power density more is the number of significant health complaints and, also females were found to be more effected than males.