Radiation threat: Cellular towers could have harmful impacts

Experts underline the need to raise awareness against the dangers of radio frequency energy

ISLAMABAD: Experts warned that the Radio Frequency (RF) radiations caused serious damage to human-health and underlined the need to take necessary measures to ensure safe use of cellular towers and antennas.  While constructing towers and installing antennas at public places, safety measures must be adopted against possible radiation, they said at a seminar held at the Institution of Engineers, Pakistan, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Centre (IEP-RIC).

The seminar was arranged to create awareness about the dangerous impact of radio frequency's radiation on human health. Engr Group Capt Jalaluddin Sadiq was the resource person at the seminar, who gave a detailed presentation on the issue.

The event was presided over by a senior member of the IEP-RIC's local council Madam Frida Javed. Engr Group Capt Najamuddin conducted the event, as the convener of the continuing professional development programme. The speakers included Engr Zohaib Anwar of JD Aviation Sourcing and Engineering Services.

The event was part of a series, arranged by the Centre to promote awareness about issues of public importance. It also provides opportunities to young engineers to meet their seniors and learn from experience and gain technical knowledge.

Jalaluddin Sadiq who had the pride of designing Karkarum and other aircrafts at Aeronautical Complex, Kamra said that as technology is growing, the use of antennas in cellular and broadcast communication also increases the need for attention in term of how safe their usage is for human health.

Antennas are the main sources of producing Electromagnetic or Radio Frequency (RF) energy which includes radio and microwaves, used for providing telecommunications, broadcast and other services.

This raises worldwide concerns about increasing the need for controlling RF in the environment. Electromagnetic pollution is causing a significant risk to human health from environmental RF exposure, he added.

He emphasised that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should raise awareness and take proper measures regarding potential safety hazards due to human exposure to RF energy emitted by transmitters. He noted that cellular operators and vendors worldwide are using RF monitoring tools to ensure safe use of RF equipment for measuring electromagnetic field for their workers on site as well for public safety.

Micro Vision Group (MVG) French based company designed and manufactured these RF safety products for workers and public safety worldwide. Jalaluddin said government should take proper initiatives and proper regulations regarding RF safety products, so that each cellular operator uses these devices for human safety.

Engr Zohaib Anwar highlighted MVG RF safety monitoring tools on the occasion.  

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2018.