Cogent Telecom Infrastructure Limited :: Adverse effects of Elecromagnetic Radiation

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	Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) In later 20th century when use of electromagnetic spectrum increased for Telecommunications, Broadcasting and household remote-controlling, enormous health effects started taking place by non-ionizing radiation. The mobile telecommunication companies flooded the cities with Towers. In the over-exuberance of the speed of network roll out and coverage, they have not only neglected the structural stability, heritage protection and radiation health effects but also put the general public open to the continuous (24x7) exposure of EMR which is leading to permanent effect on human health and behavior. An effort in this paper has been made to make everyone aware of the NIEMR (Non Ionizing Electro Magnetic Radiation) pollution in Indian cities. The study carried out on the RF levels measured in North India and also of the sites of mobile towers installed at various places prove that we (in India) are living dangerously.
	An effort has also been made to study and suggest what measures be taken by all of us in general and Government of India in particular to enhance activities to ensure a clean, green and EMR safe India.
With the use of Electromagnetic Spectrum for mobile telecommunications, television transmitters, FM Radio Stations and also Mobile Phones themselves threaten significant increase in the RF Level in Indian cities particularly in densely populated areas. The remarkable growth of this new technology is receiving public concerns about various ill effects of RF Radiation Exposure, dangers perceived from falling of these towers during earthquake. Slowly and slowly when the adverse health effects started coming to the notice of medical and radiological scientists certain measures were taken in advanced countries to formulate certain guidelines and to regulate exposure limits.

The United States FCC had guidelines FCC 56 revised by FCC65. Canadian Government incorporated Safety Code No. 6, European Countries developed ICNIRP and IEEE Guidelines. But, unfortunately, even with such a faster growth, Towers in Indian cities could not attract attention of the Government of India. The Government of India is yet to take steps either to come out with some guidelines or to evolve/follow existing guidelines of other countries. The relationship between biological effects and Electromagnetic Exposure has been widely recognized from Epidemiological and experimental studies.

The growing use of mobile communication GSM 900/1800, Cordless Telephones etc. in the last decade has introduced concerns about health risks from so called man made electro smog. Electromagnetic Radiation Pollution is invisible and in this context it is not detectable by our five senses. Therefore we are too casual towards personal protection.

Since use of these Electromagnetic Radiations is inevitable by the Society, there is a need to devise more comprehensive protection measures. As per the observed NIEMR levels, we in India are certainly vulnerable to adverse health effects.

Unfortunately ignorance and non-awareness adds to this misery and all of us are accepting this slow poison unknowingly.

Threat Perception

Previous AM Radio Towers and Television Towers were being installed and proper care was being taken to keep these towers little away from the thickly populated areas. With an opening of Mobile (GSM & CDMA) Telecommunication Sector, installation and planning for the towers came in the hands of private companies. Although they are taking permissions from the WPC /SACFA clearance for allotment of frequency and maximum transmittable power density, the WPC in fact does not go into details of locations from the radiation hazards point of view.

Cultural Threat
During a survey it has been observed that many towers have been erected on the monuments of national and archeological importance. A tower is installed on Lakshamangarh Fort in Rajasthan. Another a tower is near an ancient temple Chandani Chowk area of Delhi. They not only diminish the aesthetics but also putting the devotees under radiation exposure.

Structural Threat
Although as per normal planning and installation guidelines Telecommunication Companies are supposed to get structure certified for taking correct wind load up to 200 kms per hour for the tower, but we have found many lapses on part of these companies. Mobile Towers are functioning without proper quality checks and also there is no regular auditing after installation and commissioning.
Biological Threat
The man made Electromagnetic Smog has reached such a level that the RF Radiation has started incurring ill effects on human health, health of animals, functioning of normal household, and even on food products. So far, we have recognized Water pollution, Air pollution & Noise Pollution and now we have to recognize Non-Ionizing EMR Pollution (or EM Radiation) as a fact of life. We can see distinct improvement in the air pollution levels in the city of Delhi after conversion of motorized vehicles to CNG. Similar actions are required to be taken to control EMR Pollution urgently.

Need of the Hour

Mobile Telephony has become a highly competitive business Globally. Interestingly Emerging Economies such as India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Central & Latin American Countries, CIS Countries, Eastern European Markets are among the fastest growing Mobile Markets.
Incidentally, These Markets enjoy major population chunks and Consumer demands very inexpensive mobile services.

Most Required Services

An Accurate Assessment of the Situation
Identification of “Trouble Areas”
Preparing Service Provider-wise List of Base Stations That Need Corrective Actions
Approaching these Service Providers and Assisting them to Take Corrective Action
Ensuring No More Faulty Installations