American University of Beirut

Department of Electrical Computer

Engineering
Environmental Aspects of Energy Systems
EECE 671

Electromagnetic Radiation
from Telecommunication
Networks

Author: Supervisor:
Mona El-Abbasi Dr. Farid Chaaban
Contents
1 Introduction 2

2 Background 3

3 Concept of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) 4

3.1 Natural sources of electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2 Human-made sources of electromagnetic fields . . . . . . . . . 6

4 Cellular Phone Towers 7

4.1 How do cellular phone towers work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.2 How are people exposed to the energy from cellular phone
towers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.3 Health Effects of Cellular Phone Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 How to measure electromagnetic radiation - EMF meter se-

lection guide 10

6 The Global EMF project 11

6.1 International EMF Project Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.2 International EMF Project Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.3 Concluding the Work Of International EMF Project . . . . . . 13

7 Health effects 13
7.1 Short-Term Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.2 Long-Term Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.3 Exposure Limit Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 The Phones Emitting the Most Radiation 15

9 The Phones Emitting the Least Radiation 17

10 Tips To Reduce Cell Phone Radiation 18

11 Conclusion 19

1
 Abstract
The paper describes the issue of assessment of electromagnetic
fields in the vicinity of cellular networks base stations (BTS). New
generations are exposed to hundred million times more electromag-
netic radiation than past ones. Part of the reason is cell phone tower
radiations from microwave antennas. These human population cen-
ters are flooded with massive amounts of powerful wireless microwave
radiation. These EMF radiation levels emitted from the wireless de-
vices especially cellular phones depend on many factors, mobile phone
brand, mobile phone distance from the user and the engineering cellu-
lar radio network setting wherein the calls are made. The highest ra-
diation exposure intensity was registered when establishing calls with
the receiver compared to during conversation. This is an issue consid-
ered both as theoretical analyzes and simulations of field distributions
in space , as well as measurement campaigns of networks in different
countries [1].
Keywords: Electromagnetic field, BTS, GSM, LTE, measurements,
human exposure.

1 Introduction
The world we live in is an environment saturated by electromagnetic radiation
which can be distinguished between natural sources (geomagnetic field of
Earth, electric field of Earth and solar wind) and artificial sources created
by humans. The commonly known artificial sources of electromagnetic fields
(EMF) radiation are cellular networks BTSs antennas. These antennas are
mounted on dedicated towers on building rooftops. BTSs enable mass voice
and data communications, but they also raise public concern on possible
negative health effects due to EMF exposition [2]. Introducing into service
5G networks will cause a significant increase in the number of BTSs, and
therefore may increase public concern as well. Due to the rapid increment
in the number of customers for diverse services, to provide efficient network,
the mobile phone base stations operators are continuously increasing the
number of base stations. Due to the lack of any regulations and policies for
the placement of Cell phone towers, they are placed haphazardly closer to
schools, on commercial buildings, hospitals, colleges, and densely populated
urban residential areas. Since the electromagnetic radiation can’t be seen,
smelt or felt, it can be realized only after the biological disorders caused by

2
it. Hence the public are exposed to continuous, low intensity radiations from
these towers unwillingly [3].

2 Background
The electromagnetic spectrum can be subdivided into several ranges, classi-
fied according to the frequencies of the fields, see figure 1 for an overview.
For telecommunication purposes, radio frequency fields between a few MHz

Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum. ELF = extremely low frequency,

RF = radio frequency.

to some GHz are of particular interest. Within this range, numerous broad-
casting sources in addition to mobile telephony can be found, such as radio
and television systems and commercial (communication) radio systems. FM
radio transmitters at some 100 MHz and television (UHF) broadcasts at
around 800 MHz are examples of high-power sources in this range. Other
frequencies may be used for industrial purposes (e.g. at 27 MHz and 2.45
GHz), which sometimes may cause a substantial local exposure to workers.
The allocation of different frequencies is strictly controlled, internationally
by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), and nationally by var-
ious agencies. An example of the frequency allocation between 30 MHz and
2 GHz is given in figure 2.

3
Figure 2: Allocation of frequencies between 30 MHz and 2 GHz. Some emerg-
ing telecommunication systems such as UMTS will also utilise frequencies
above 2 GHz.

3 Concept of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

According to modern quantum theory, EMR consist of photons which are
emitted through space with increasing frequency and at the speed of light.
Classically, the EMR is a term used for describing the waves of electromag-
netic field (EMF) radiating or propagating through space giving out energy.
Radio frequency radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation. As indi-
cated in figure 2, and verified by measurements in several European countries,
emissions from mobile telephony systems corresponds to only a part of the
total radio frequency exposure. At sufficiently high frequencies, the radiation
is capable of breaking the bonds between atoms and electrons, hence such
radiation is named ionizing radiation(e.g.x-rays, radon, and cosmic rays).
Non-ionizing radiation (e.g., radio frequency and extremely low frequency,
or power frequency) with energies too small to ionise atoms comprises elec-
tric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, as well as optical radiation. Elec-
tromagnetic radiation is defined according to its wavelength and frequency,
which is the number of cycles of a wave that pass a reference point per sec-
ond. Electromagnetic frequencies are described in hertz (Hz). However, the
exposure to ionizing radiation, such as from x-rays, is known to increase
the risk of cancer [3]. The only consistently recognized biological effect of
radio frequency radiation in humans is heating. Radio frequency exposure

4
 Figure 3: Electromagnetic spectrum

from cell phone use does cause heating to the area of the body where a cell
phone or other device is held (e.g., the ear and head). The frequency of
radio frequency electromagnetic radiation ranges from 30 kHz to 300 GHz.
Electromagnetic fields in the radio frequency range are used for telecommu-
nications applications. The dose of the absorbed energy by human body is
estimated using a measure called the specific absorption rate (SAR).

Figure 4: Electromagnetic radiation.

The energy per unit area, associated with an electric field (V/m) is given by

5
[4]:  
1 2
UE = ε0 E c (1)
2

The expression in Eq. (1) also implies that:

P 1
2
= ε0 E 2 c (2)
4πd 2
Where c and εo are constants indicating the radiation speed and the permit-
tivity of free space, respectively. In addition to P and d defines the power
transmitted in watts and the distance from the antenna in meters, respec-
tively.
 1/2
P
E= (3)
2πεo cd2
Where c = 3x108 m/s and εo = 4πx10−7 H/m
Eq. (2) becomes:
7.75(P )1/2
E= (4)
d
The rate of energy absorption by the exposed tissue per unit mass from radio
cell phone source is related to the field strength in equation by [4]:

E2
SAR = (σ + ωε0 εr ) (5)
ρ
Where σ(S/m) is the conductivity and ρ(kg/m3 ) is the mass density.

3.1 Natural sources of electromagnetic fields

Electromagnetic fields are present everywhere in our environment but are
invisible to the human eye. Electric fields are produced by the local build-up
of electric charges in the atmosphere associated with thunderstorms. The
earth’s magnetic field causes a compass needle to orient in a North-South
direction and is used by birds and fish for navigation.

3.2 Human-made sources of electromagnetic fields

Besides natural sources the electromagnetic spectrum also includes fields gen-
erated by human-made sources: X-rays are employed to diagnose a broken

6
limb after a sport accident. The electricity that comes out of every power
socket has associated low frequency electromagnetic fields. And various kinds
of higher frequency radio waves are used to transmit information whether via
TV antennas, radio stations or mobile phone base stations.

Figure 5: Human exposed to electromagnetic radiation.

4 Cellular Phone Towers

Cellular phones first became widely available in the United States in the
1990s, but since then their use has increased dramatically. The widespread
use of cell phones has led to cell phone towers being placed in many com-
munities. These towers have electronic equipment and antennas that receive
and transmit radiofrequency (RF) signals.

4.1 How do cellular phone towers work?

Cell phone base stations may be free-standing towers or mounted on existing
structures, such as trees, water tanks, or tall buildings. The antennas need
to be high enough to adequately cover the area. Base stations are usually
from 50-200 feet high. Cell phones communicate with nearby cell towers
mainly through radiofrequency (RF) waves. At very high levels, RF waves
can heat up body tissues. When a person makes a cell phone call, a signal is
sent from the phone’s antenna to the nearest base station antenna. The base
station responds to this signal by assigning it an available radiofrequency
channel. RF waves transfer the voice information to the base station. The

7
voice signals are then sent to a switching center, which transfers the call to
its destination. Voice signals are then relayed back and forth during the call.

4.2 How are people exposed to the energy from cellu-

lar phone towers?
As people use cell phones to make calls, signals are transmitted back and forth
to the base station. The RF waves produced at the base station are given
off into the environment, where people can be exposed to them. The energy
from a cellular phone tower antenna, like that of other telecommunication
antennas, is directed toward the horizon (parallel to the ground), with some
downward scatter. Base station antennas use higher power levels than other
types of land-mobile antennas, but much lower levels than those from radio
and television broadcast stations. The amount of energy decreases rapidly
as the distance from the antenna increases. As a result, the level of exposure
to radio waves at ground level is very low compared to the level close to the
antenna as shown in the figure below. At ground level near typical cellular

Figure 6: Energy Incident on Human Body.

base stations, the amount of RF energy is thousands of times less than the
limits for safe exposure set by the US Federal Communication Commission
(FCC) and other regulatory authorities. It is very unlikely that a person
could be exposed to RF levels in excess of these limits just by being near a
cell phone tower. When a cellular antenna is mounted on a roof, it is possible
that a person on the roof could be exposed to RF levels greater than those
typically encountered on the ground. Exposure levels exceeding the FCC

8
safety guidelines are only likely to be found directly in front of the antennas.
If this is the case, access to these areas should be limited. Using equation 2,
to calculate the power radiated from cell phone tower. The following results
are addressed that for a single basestation tower of power 20W and of gain 17
dB. The level of RF energy inside buildings where a base station is mounted

Table 1: Power from a single carrier and a single operator.

Distance R (m) P W/m2 )
1 79.6
3 8.84
5 3.18
10 0.796
50 0.0318
100 0.008
500 0.000318

Table 2: Power from 5 carriers and 3 operators on the same roof top or tower,
radiation level is extremely high.
Distance R (m) P W/m2 )
1 1194
3 126
5 47.7
10 11.94
50 0.477
100 0.1194
500 0.00477

is typically much lower than the level outside, depending on the construction
materials of the building. Wood or cement block reduces the exposure level of
RF radiation by a factor of about 10. The energy level behind an antenna is
hundreds to thousands of times lower than in front. Therefore, if an antenna
is mounted on the side of a building, the exposure level in the room directly
behind the wall is typically well below the recommended exposure limits.

9
4.3 Health Effects of Cellular Phone Towers
These telecommunication networks can interfere with your body’s own EMFs,
causing a variety of potential health problems, including headaches, memory
loss, cardiovascular stress, low sperm count. birth defects and cancer. Cell
phones emit radio frequency radiation, a form of non-ionizing radiation, from
their antennas. Parts of the body nearest to the antenna can absorb this
energy. However, the number of cell phone users has increased rapidly. Over
time, the number of cell phone calls per day, the length of each call, and the
amount of time people use cell phones have increased. Because of changes
in cell phone technology and increases in the number of base stations for
transmitting wireless signals, the exposure from cell phone use power output
has changed, mostly lowered, in many regions of the United States[5]. There
have been excessive reports of associations between health problems and
presumed exposure to electromagnetic fields, such as reports of prematurity
and low birth weight in children of workers in the electronics industry [4].

5 How to measure electromagnetic radiation

- EMF meter selection guide
Electromagnetic Field Meter PCE-EM 29 is a portable handheld electro-
magnetic field meter or detector with a spherical triaxial three-dimensional
isotropic sensor used to measure electromagnetic fields as well as radio fre-
quencies.

Figure 7: EMF monitor measuring microwaves - RF radiation levels from

cell phone tower

10
 This easy-to-use battery-powered RF meter features large adjustable val-
ues limit with acoustic alarm functionality [5].

6 The Global EMF project

Electromagnetic fields of all frequencies represent one of the most common
and fastest growing environmental influences. As part of the protection of
public health, the WHO established the international EMF Project in 1996.
The purpose of the EMF Project is to assess the scientific evidence of possi-
ble health effects of EMF in the frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz [8].
Potential health effects of exposure to static and time varying electric and
magnetic fields need scientific clarification. Electromagnetic fields of all fre-
quencies represent one of the most common and fastest growing environmen-
tal influences, about which there is anxiety and speculation are spreading.
EMF exposure now occurs to varying degrees to all populations of the world,
and the levels will continue to increase with advancing technology. Thus,
even a small health consequence from EMF exposure could have a major
public health impact [8]. Concerns have been expressed that exposure to ex-
tremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields at power frequencies (50/60 Hz)
could lead to an increased incidence of cancer in children and other adverse
health effects. The evidence comes primarily from residential epidemiological
studies. These studies suggest that children exposed to ELF magnetic fields
have an associated increased risk of leukaemia. In addition, concerns persist
that exposure to pulsed and amplitude modulated RF fields may cause spe-
cific health effects [8]. As part of its section to protect public health and in
response to public concern over health effects of EMF exposure, the World
Health Organization (WHO) established the International EMF Project in
1996 to assess the scientific evidence of possible health effects of EMF in the
frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz. The EMF Project encourages focused
research to fill important gaps in knowledge and to facilitate the development
of internationally acceptable standards limiting EMF exposure [8].

6.1 International EMF Project Objectives

Key objectives of the Project are to [8]:
1. Provide a coordinated international response to concerns about possible
health effects of exposure to EMF.

11
 Figure 8: WHO EMF Project Structure

2. Assess the scientific literature and make a status report on health ef-
fects.

3. Identify gaps in knowledge needing further research to make better

health risk assessments.

4. Encourage a focused research program in conjunction with funding

agencies.

5. Incorporate the research results into WHO’s Environmental Health Cri-

teria monographs where formal health risk assessments will be made
on exposure to EMF.

6. Facilitate the development of internationally acceptable standards for

EMF exposure.

7. Provide information on the management of EMF protection programs

for national and other authorities, including monographs on EMF risk

12
 perception, communication and management.

8. Provide advice to national authorities, the general public and work-

ers, about any hazards resulting from EMF exposure and any needed
mitigation measures.

6.2 International EMF Project Activities

The mandate of the the International EMF Project is to assess the health
and environmental effects of exposure to static and time varying electric and
magnetic fields in the frequency range 0 - 300 GHz [8]. The EMF Project is
located at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva,
Switzerland, since this is the only United Nations organization with a clear
mandate to investigate detrimental health effects from exposure of people
to non-ionizing radiation. Funding is provided by contributions from WHO
member states. The project is part of the Department of Public Health, Envi-
ronmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE) in the Family, Women’s
and Children’s Health (FWC) cluster [8].

6.3 Concluding the Work Of International EMF Project

Despite the view of the WHO and the European Union that there is at present
no conclusive evidence of adverse effects caused by EMF they believe the slow
emergence of health impacts means that governmental bodies should impose
exposure limits as recommended by the International Commission for Non-
Ionising Radiation Protection. They also recommend longer term studies
with people exposed for over ten years and with those exposed to higher
levels [8].

7 Health effects
A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades
to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no
adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone
use.

13
7.1 Short-Term Effects
Tissue heating is the principal mechanism of interaction between radiofre-
quency energy and the human body. At the frequencies used by mobile
phones, most of the energy is absorbed by the skin and other superficial tis-
sues, resulting in negligible temperature rise in the brain or any other organs
of the body.

Figure 9: Cell Phone Health Hazards.

A number of studies have investigated the effects of radiofrequency fields on

brain electrical activity, cognitive function, sleep, heart rate and blood pres-
sure in volunteers. To date, research does not suggest any consistent evidence
of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency fields at levels below
those that cause tissue heating. Further, research has not been able to pro-
vide support for a causal relationship between exposure to electromagnetic
fields and self-reported symptoms, or “electromagnetic hypersensitivity”.

7.2 Long-Term Effects

Epidemiological research examining potential long-term risks from radiofre-
quency exposure has mostly looked for an association between brain tumours
and mobile phone use. However, because many cancers are not detectable
until many years after the interactions that led to the tumour, and since
mobile phones were not widely used until the early 1990s, epidemiological
studies at present can only assess those cancers that become evident within

14
shorter time periods. However, results of animal studies consistently show no
increased cancer risk for long-term exposure to radiofrequency fields [3]. The
international pooled analysis of data gathered from 13 participating coun-
tries found no increased risk of glioma or meningioma with mobile phone use
of more than 10 years. There are some indications of an increased risk of
glioma for those who reported the highest 10% of cumulative hours of cell
phone use, although there was no consistent trend of increasing risk with
greater duration of use. The researchers concluded that biases and errors
limit the strength of these conclusions and prevent a causal interpretation
[4].
Based largely on these data, IARC has classified radiofrequency electro-
magnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) [4]. While an
increased risk of brain tumors is not established, the increasing use of mobile
phones and the lack of data for mobile phone use over 15 years warrant fur-
ther research of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk. In particular, with
the recent popularity of mobile phone use among younger people, and there-
fore a potentially longer lifetime of exposure, WHO has promoted further
research on this group [4].

7.3 Exposure Limit Guidelines

Radio frequency exposure limits for mobile phone users are given in terms of
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) the rate of radio frequency energy absorption
per unit mass of the body. Currently, two international bodies have developed
exposure guidelines for workers and for the general public, except patients
undergoing medical diagnosis or treatment. These guidelines are based on a
detailed assessment of the available scientific evidence [6].

8 The Phones Emitting the Most Radiation

The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection has a comprehensive
database of smartphones new and old and the level of radiation they emit.
Following the criteria set for this chart, the current smartphone creating the
highest level of radiation is the Mi A1 from Chinese vendor Xiaomi. Another
Chinese phone is in second place the OnePlus 5T [9].
In fact, the two companies are represented heavily in this list, with 8 of
the top 16 handsets being made by one of them. Premium Apple phones

15
such as the iPhone 7 and the recently released iPhone 8 are also here to be
seen, though, as are the latest Pixel handsets from Google [9]. While there

Figure 10: The Phones Emitting the Most Radiation with SAR Levels.

is no universal guideline for a ’safe’ level of phone radiation, the German

certification for environmental friendliness ”Blue Angel” only certifies phones
which have a specific absorption rate of less than 0.60 watts per kilogram.

16
9 The Phones Emitting the Least Radiation
Having already revealed the current phones which emit the most radiation,
this chart looks at the opposite end of the scale [9]. The German Federal

Figure 11: The Phones Emitting the Least Radiation with SAR Levels [9].

Office for Radiation Protection has a comprehensive database of smartphones

new and old and the level of radiation they emit when held to the ear during
a call. Following the criteria set for this chart, the smartphones creating the
lowest level of radiation are the Samsung Galaxy Note8 and the ZTE Axon
Elite with a specific absorption rate of 0.17 W/kg. Two iPhones occupy a
place in the list of phones which emit the most radiation, compared to none
from Samsung [9].

17
10 Tips To Reduce Cell Phone Radiation
Wired technology is safe technology. The healthiest thing to do is to ensure
you have a home corded landline phone and corded computer. Remember,
home cordless phones emit radiation like cell phones, so every home should
have a corded landline [6]. There is “safe level” of cell phone radiation.
Therefore if you must use a cell phone, please reduce exposure with the
strategies listed below [6].
1. Distance Is Your Friend
While talking on your cell phone, prefer to position the cell phone away
from your body as far as possible. Whenever possible, use the speak-
erphone mode or an airtube wired headset. Distance Wi-Fi routers
away from bedrooms and living areas where you spend time. The elec-
tromagnetic radiation is one-fourth the strength at a distance of two
inches and fifty times lower at three feet [6].
2. Avoid Using Your Cell Phone When The Signal Is Weak
This includes also when moving at high speed, such as in vehicles (car,
bus, train or airplane) and elevators, as automatically power increases
to emit a maximum amount of radiation because the phone repeatedly
attempts to connect to each nearest network antenna [6].
3. Avoid Carrying Your Cell Phone On Your Body At All Times
Try to keep the cell phone away from your head and body. Keeping it
an arm’s distance away significantly reduces exposure to the low-level
radiation it emits. Cell phones emit radiation constantly, even when
you are not actively using them. Power them 100 % off before you
carry them near your body [6].
4. Do Not Sleep With Your Cell Phone Powered On
Research shows that sleep is disrupted by cell phone radiation. Simply
set the phone to “airplane” or “flight” or “off-line” mode, which will
stop “wireless” electromagnetic field emissions. The amount of radi-
ation exposure received depends on the amount of time exposed and
distance from the source. Radiation levels fall off exponentially with
distance from antenna [6].
5. SAR Limit for Mobiles Towers
SAR (Specific absorption rate) - Rate at which radiation is absorbed

18
 by human body, measured in watts per kg (W/kg). In USA, max. SAR
limit for cell phones is 1.6W/Kg which is for 6 minutes. It has a safety
margin of 3 to 4, so a person should not use cell phone for more than
18 to 24 minutes per day.

11 Conclusion
Cell phone radiation may be dangerous. Many experiments have been
done to study the effects of cellular phones on human health. The
science is still out on whether the long-term use of cell phones which
emit electromagnetic radiation when they send and receive signals from
towers or WiFi devices can affect human health. Time may prove
differently!

References
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magnetic Field Radiation from Mobile Towers and Handsets”, Telecom
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(GSM 1800 MHz),” International Conference on Recent Advances and
Innovations in Engineering (ICRAIE-2014), Jaipur, 2014, pp. 1-6.
[3] E. Lunca, C. Damian and A. Salceanu, ”EMF exposure measurements
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[6] Maurya, R. (2019). 10 Ways to Reduce your Exposure to Cell Phone
Radiation - PCQuest. [online] PCQuest.Instruments, P. (2019).

[7] Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meter PCE-EM 29 — PCE Instruments.

[8] World Health Organization. What is the International EMF Project?

[9] Armstrong, M. (2019). Infographic: The Phones Emitting the Most Ra-
diation. [online] Statista Infographics.

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