RF and Microwave Radiation Safety Study and Assessments

Abstract

This thesis entitled “RF and Microwave Radiation Safety Study and Assessments” is aimed to study microwave radiation (namely, from cellular base stations around some pin areas of Kathmandu valley) exposures and its analysis comparing with some major safety standards. The thesis first identifies the problem related to the health hazards due to the Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR). Limiting exposures to harmful EMR are then studied in both theoretical and observational approaches. The research then focuses on the analysis of the actual measurements taken on different sites, namely of Lalitpur District. The different places were chooses on the basis of Radio Frequency (RF) sources and public access. RF field strength probe along with a Global Position System (GPS) were used to map the radiation intensities over the corresponding geo-location and record the EMR levels. The obtained results are presented in the form of both digital maps and statistics. Also, in a separate study, a spectrum analysis is performed to quantify the EMR of each local radio transmitters. The obtained observational statistics are analyzed comparing with different international standards; and radiations over the observed domain found within the safety margins. Analytical analysis however shows some excessively radiating zones where safety precautions are necessary especially for longer exposures. The study finally, outlines some recommendations that need to be formulated by concerned authority to standardize and regulate RF radiation safety exposures.