JBMJournal of Biosciences and Medicines2327-5081Scientific Research Publishing10.4236/jbm.2019.74006JBM-91775ArticlesBiomedical&Life Sciences Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure from Nearby Cellular Base Stations in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Concern for Public Health SamirYassin1MohammedMusleh2SamerAbuzerr3*Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, PalestineDepartment of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranEnvironmental Quality Authority, Gaza, Palestine06032019070446597, March 201912, April 2019 15, April 2019© Copyright 2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. 2014This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The widespread mobile station’s antennas and the continued increase in the number of mobile phones users throughout the Gaza strip causing great panic in the population relating the debate overexposure to electromagnetic radiation EMR emitted from the antennas of mobile base stations. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the levels of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the antennas of cellular base stations in Gaza governorate as well as to evaluate the citizen’s awareness and practices regarding potential health risks and mitigation methods of exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations, respectively. Fifty cellular base stations out of 197 stations were selected depending on the criteria of selecting one site per kilometer using Global Positioning System (GPS). Electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and the magnetic field strength emitted from cellular base stations were measured using Narda-550. Assessment tool for observation was used to collect operational information of each station. A structured questionnaire with four-level Likert rating scale was used to survey 384 mobile phone users from the areas surrounding the selected cellular base stations. The results showed that the electromagnetic radiation levels of all stations were low and less than the national and international acceptable limits. Furthermore, the awareness of participant about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones was low. Nevertheless, the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones on their health were good.

Antennas Cellular Base Stations Exposure Electromagnetic Radiation Gaza Strip Public Health Power Density1. Introduction

Mobile or cellular phones are now an integral part of modern telecommunications. In many countries, over half of the population use mobile phones and the market is growing rapidly. In 2014, there were an estimated 6.9 billion subscriptions globally. In some parts of the world, mobile phones are the most reliable or the only phones available [1] [2] [3] . This wireless technology relies upon an extensive network of fixed antennas, or base stations, relaying information with radiofrequency (RF) signals. Over 1.4 million base stations exist worldwide and the number is increasing [4] . The radio waves used in mobile telephone are, like visible light and X-rays, electromagnetic waves that consist of both an electric and a magnetic component which vary periodically in time. The frequency of variation determines the wave properties and uses [5] . Radio waves can be used for various types of communication, are found in the lower part of the spectrum and classified as non-ionizing radiation. There are different types of electromagnetic waves with different frequencies; each has its own properties and characteristics which make it distinguished from others. The electromagnetic radiation may be classified as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, has enough energy to remove bound electrons from the orbit of an atom in such a way that it becomes an ionized atom, which may induce health hazard. On the other hand, the non-ionizing radiation, such as visible light, has less energy than ionizing radiation; it does not have sufficient energy to ionize the atoms [6] [7] . A cellular communication system consists of several transmitters called base stations, covering adjoining zones called cells, and the in-use mobile phones. Worldwide, several mobile radio systems are available, ranging from analog to digital systems and having different multiple access types and frequency carriers [8] [9] .

Mobile phone companies in Palestine use the global system for mobile communication (GSM) which is a digital mobile telephone system used in most parts of the world. GSM uses a time division multiple access which enables more people to communicate simultaneously with a station [10] . GSM system operates in either the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz band. The 900 MHz band is utilized in Palestine, only 24 channels are allocated for Jawwal Company. According to the Palestinian protocol, the acceptable level for the general public exposure to EMR in term of power density, at a frequency of 900 MHz, is 4.0 W/m2 and 22.5 W/m2 for occupational exposure [11] . The same levels are also recommended by the world health organization (WHO) [12] , and an independent International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) [13] .

The tremendous growth in the use of mobile phones has resulted in an increasing number of GSM base stations being built in densely populated areas. Daily exposure to electromagnetic fields has raised the public concern of possible adverse health effects to people living in the vicinity of base station antennas. Radiofrequency and microwave radiation exposures from the antennas of rooftop mounted mobile telephone base stations have become a serious concern in recent years due to the rapidly evolving technologies in wireless telecommunication systems [8] .

According to reports from the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority (EQA), more than 500 mobile phone base station is spread over the Gaza strip and to the best of our knowledge, there are no clear sufficient studies concerning radiation levels measurement and possible health risks. In response to public concerns by the EQA in Palestine, this research is initiated and recommended to assess the electromagnetic radiation levels emitted from mobile phones base stations in Gaza governorate.

2. Materials and Methods2.1. Study Setting

The study was conducted in the Gaza governorate, the most densely populated area all over the world. The Gaza governorate (74 km2), the largest in the Gaza strip (365 km2) with a population of 673,638 and population growth rate of 2.92%, is made up of 12 neighborhoods namely: Sheikh Ejleen, Southern Remal, Northern Remal, Al-Daraj, Al-Sabra, Al-Zaytoon, Al-Nasser, Tal Al-Hawa, Al-Shatea camp, Al-Sheikh Radwan, Al-Tuffah, and Al-Shujaeya [14] .

2.2. Data Collection and Sampling Methods

This study was carried out from 1st of September 2017 to 28th July 2018 by five well-trained engineers and interviewers. Fifty cellular base stations out of 197 stations placed on the Gaza governorate building’s rooftops were selected adopting the criteria of selecting one site per kilometer using Global Positioning System (GPS) (Figure 1).

2.3. Study Tools2.3.1. Assessment Tool for Observation

Field visits were executed to collect information about the stations using observation tools comprised of five parts; First, general information about the station such as (station name, station location, the suitability of the surrounding area, number of cells, building type, and establishment date). Second, information concerning the height of the station’s building and antennas height from the building roof. Third, information regarding the distances between the antenna and both of the protective fence and the nearest neighbor. Fourth, information about the antenna’s electromagnetic power density, magnetic field strength, and

electric field strength. Fifth, information about station a license, availability of protective fence, and presence of warning signs.

2.3.2. Electromagnetic Radiation Measurements

The EMR emitted from mobile phones base stations was measured on 3, 6, and 20 meters away from station antenna using an NBM-Broadband Field Meter called Narda-550. The electromagnetic power density (S) (Milliwatts per square meter mW/cm2), the electric field strength (E) (Volt per meter V/m), and the magnetic field strength (H) (Ampere per meter A/m) emitted from cellular base stations were measured on 3, 6, and 20 meters away from station antenna and on 3, 6, and 20 meters from the base of the antenna (Figure 2) [15] .

The EMR levels outcome were compared with the exposure limits recommended by ICNIRP, WHO, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), as well as the environmental quality authority, recommended limits for an environmental protocol for mobile macrocell installation in Palestine, Egypt, and Iraq.

2.3.3. Structured Questionnaire

A structured questionnaire developed according to related previous studies [16] [17] [18] , was employed in this study to collect data from mobile phone users in the Gaza governorate regarding awareness about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations (11 items) and their practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations on their health (13 items).

A four-level Likert rating scale was used to scaling study participants responses as follows:

2.4. Sample Size Calculation

Twenty mobile phone users from the area surrounding each cellular base stations were surveyed since the sample size of this study was calculated using Epi Info with a confidence interval of 95%, margin of error of 5%, and response distribution is 50%. The study population composed of 450,000 mobile phone users in the Gaza Governorate. The calculated sample size was 384 mobile phone users.

2.5. Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation

The collected data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Program and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The measured electromagnetic power density (S), electric field strength (E), and magnetic field strength (H) values were presented as a minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation. The correlation coefficient between the height of the antenna and the electromagnetic power density (S) was identified (p < 0.05). The collected data using the questionnaire were analyzed and presented as a mean and standard deviation. The mean ratings of participants were interpreted using the real limits of numbers to determine the awareness and practice level for each item.

2.6. Ethical Consideration

The study protocol was approved by the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority. As well, written informed consent was also obtained from each participant.

3. Results3.1. Characteristics of Cellular Base Stations

The observational results exhibited that 49 out of 50 stations had three cells. Twenty sex stations located on the roofs of residential towers, 20 stations were on houses rooftops, and 4 stations were established on roofs of institutional buildings. The height of stations cells from the surface of the earth was ranged between 15 to 50 meters for 48 stations whereas it was higher than 50 meters for two stations. The antennas cells (A, B, and C) height from the building rooftop were 6 meters higher for all stations. The distance between the antennas bases and protective fences was less than 5 meters for 6 stations, while it was more than 5 meters for 44 stations. The distance between the antenna and the nearest adjacent building was more than 5 meters for the vast majority stations. The antenna’s height was higher than 2 meters from the nearest adjacent building located within 10 meters radius for all stations. All stations were licensed by the Palestinian environmental quality authority according to the environmental protocol for mobile macrocell installation. It was noticed that the roofs gates of 13 stations were not completely locked. There was no warning signs and labels in all stations. No antenna’s cells directed toward schools.

3.2. Electromagnetic Power Density (S), Electric Field Strength (E), and Magnetic Field Strength (H) Measurements

The measured levels of electromagnetic power density (S), electric field strength (E), and magnetic field strength (H) emitted from cellular base stations at 3, 6, and 20 meters are summarized in Tables 1-3, respectively. In all fifty stations, the results showed that the values of S, E, and H vary between the A, B, and C cells at different distances of 3, 6, and 20 meters. Overall, as shown in Table 1, at

Electromagnetic power density (S), electric field strength (E), and magnetic field strength (H) for A, B, and C cells of stations at 3 meters
VariablesCellMinimumMaximumMeanStd. Dev.
S at 3 m (mW/cm2)A00.8790.00640.0134
B0.00010.08640.004710.01247
C00.0270.003350.00141
E at 3 m (V/m)A0.607.513.31.65
B0.749.52.961.69
C0.31186.853.021.45
H at 3 m (mA/m)A1119.98.64.7
B3.928.98.15.5
C014.47.63.1
 Electromagnetic power density (S), electric field strength (E), and magnetic field strength (H) for A, B, and C cells of stations at 6 meters
VariablesCellMinimumMaximumMeanStd. Dev.
S at 6 m (mW/cm2)A00.04430.00340.0687
B00.01470.001960.00252
C00.03850.002620.00556
E at 6 m (V/m)A0.277.702.451.58
B0.427.452.371.44
C0.225.572.361.23
H at 6 m (mA/m)A0.320.46.74.76
B0.419.86.26.2
C0.614.86.33.2
 Electromagnetic power density (S), electric field strength (E), and magnetic field strength (H) for A, B, and C cells of stations at 20 meters
VariablesCellMinimumMaximumMeanStd. Dev.
S at 20 m (mW/cm2)A00.00070.000140.00018
B00.00080.000140.00017
C00.00130.001830.00267
E at 20 m (V/m)A0.041.650.560.44
B0.091.80.60.38
C0.082.680.770.53
H at 20 m (mA/m)A191.61.6
B0.17.51.71.4
C0.17.121.4

3 meters, the mean values of S measurements were 64.64 × 10−4 mW/cm2, 47.1 × 10−4 mW/cm2, and 33.5 × 10−4 mW/cm2 for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. Moreover, the mean values of E measurements were 3.3 V/m, 2.69 V/m, and 3.02 V/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. Moreover, the mean values of E measurements were 8.6 mA/m, 8.1 mA/m, and 7.6 mA/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively.

Table 2 depicts variations in the S, E, and H values among the antennas A, B and C cells at 6 meters. The mean values of S measurements were 34 × 10−4 mW/cm2, 19.6 × 10−4 mW/cm2, and 26.2 × 10−4 mW/cm2 for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. The mean values of E measurements were 2.45 V/m, 2.37 V/m, and 2.36 V/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. In addition, the mean values of E measurements were 6.7 mA/m, 6.2 mA/m, and 6.3 mA/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively.

Table 3 presents a summary of the S, E, and H measurements at 20 meters. The mean values of S measurements were 1.4 × 10−4 mW/cm2, 1.4 × 10−4 mW/cm2, and 1.83 × 10−4 mW/cm2 for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. The mean values of E measurements were 0.56 V/m, 0.6 V/m, and 0.77 V/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively. The mean values of E measurements were 1.6 mA/m, 1.7 mA/m, and 2 mA/m for the cells of A, B, and C, respectively.

3.3. The Correlation Coefficient between the Height of the Antenna and the Electromagnetic Power Density (S)

There is no association between the electromagnetic power density and the antennas heights at different distances since p-values for all cells and at all distances were greater than 0.05 (Table 4).

3.4. Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Study Participants

A total of 384 mobile phone users were interviewed, the vast majority of them (85.1%) were males. About 48.2% of the respondents were university-educated people. The mean age of the study participant was 39 years old.

3.5. Citizen’s Awareness of Health Risks That Could Result from Exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted from Cellular Base Stations

Table 5 revealed that the overall mean of participant’s awareness about health

A correlation coefficient between the height of the antenna and the electromagnetic power density (S)
Height at 3 mHeight at 6 mHeight at 20 m
Cell AS at 3 mCorrelation coefficient0.22
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.13
S at 6 mCorrelation coefficient0.20
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.16
S at 20 mCorrelation coefficient0.08
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.59
Cell BS at 3 mCorrelation coefficient−0.14
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.32
S at 6 mCorrelation coefficient−0.12
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.42
S at 20 mCorrelation coefficient0.19
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.19
Cell CS at 3 mCorrelation coefficient−0.03
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.98
S at 6 mCorrelation coefficient−0.06
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.97
S at 20 mCorrelation coefficient0.25
Sig. (2-Tailed)0.08
 Participant’s awareness of health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations
ItemsMeanStandard DeviationComment
1) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause cancer3.710.52Very Aware
2) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause tiredness1.440.56Unaware
3) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause diarrhea1.360.91Unaware
4) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause cardiac problems2.210.68Fairly aware
5) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause memory impairment1.20.69Unaware
6) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause a headache1.430.83Unaware
7) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause dizziness1.330.56Unaware
8) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause sleep disturbance1.670.77Fairly aware
9) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause depression and anxiety1.680.69Fairly aware
10) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause infertility2.660.68Aware
11) Long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause perception impairment1.420.6Unaware

risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations was 1.83, indicating a low level of awareness about health risks induced by the exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations. Moreover, the standard deviation of the participant’s responses ranged between 0.52 and 0.91, demonstrating the participant’s responses tend to be close to the mean of the set. The study participants were very aware concerning long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause cancer. In addition, they were aware of long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may lead to infertility. Fairly awareness of that long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause cardiac problems, sleep disturbance, and depression and anxiety were obtained. However, they were unaware that long exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile phone may cause tiredness, diarrhea, memory impairment, headache, dizziness, and perception impairment.

3.6. Citizen’s Practices in Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted from Cellular Base Stations on Their Health

Table 6 revealed that the overall mean of the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations

Participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations on their health
ItemsMeanStandard DeviationComment
1) Using Air Tube earpiece/Bluetooth earpiece or the speaker function, When using the mobile phone3.120.49Good practice
2) Turning off WIFI and 3G/4G Data connection on your smartphone when not in use2.210.62Fairly good practice
3) Unplugging the mobile phone from the power, when not in use3.510.64Very good practice
4) Avoid staying long in place in which there is a lot of EMR3.080.62Good practice
5) Putting the mobile away from the body2.660.36Good practice
6) Using a holster designed to shield the body from radiation3.130.41Good practice
7) Avoid using a mobile phone in a moving car, train, bus, or in rural areas at some distance from a cell tower1.60.5Fairly good practice
8) Avoid sleeping when cell phone beneath the pillow or close to the bedside3.770.71Very good practice
9) Switching off the mobile phone when not in use3.130.48Good practice
10) Staying away from people who heavily use mobile phones3.10.62Good practice
11) Avoid carrying mobile phones in shirts pockets or in bras2.810.62Good practice
12) Always using a landline telephone1.20.44Bad practice
13) Avoiding unjustified use of the mobile phone2.390.62Fairly good practice

on their health was 2.75, showing a good level of their practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations on their health. Moreover, the standard deviation of the participant’s responses ranged between 0.36 and 0.71, proving the participant’s responses tend to be close to the mean of the set.

The study participants had a very good practice regarding unplugging the mobile phone from the power, when not in use and avoid sleeping when cell phone beneath the pillow or close to the bedside. However, they had a bad practice of avoiding using a landline telephone.

4. Discussion

The Palestinian mobile macro-cell installation protocol has been recently issued in collaboration between the Palestinian environment quality authority, ministry of health, and ministry of telecommunications. The protocol items were computable with the international standards in the installation of cellular base stations [13] . Based on our study findings, most protocol items were achieved. The protocol states that the height of building the antenna install above must be between 15 - 50 meters from the ground surface. In case of this length is not achieved in the building, antennas have to be installed on a metal tower or mast to make up the shortfall in height. The height of the antenna from the nearest building located within 10 meters radius is not less than 2 meters. The roof of the building must be of reinforced concrete. Antennas height from the building roof must not be less than 6 meters. The distance between two stations at the same building roof must not be less than 12 meters. The distance between the antenna and the protective fence must not be less than 5 meters. In our study, the maximum measured electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and magnetic field strength were 0.879 mW/cm2, 9.5 V/m, and 28.9 mA/m at 3 meters from the antenna, respectively which were less than national and international permissible limits [3] [11] [13] [19] [20] [21] .

The study conducted in 2005 to measure and theoretically estimation of electromagnetic fields from mobile telephones and their base stations in the Gaza governorate stated that real measurements were inconsistent with theoretical ones and they are much lower than the exposure limit recommended by the international limits [5] . In addition, the study conducted in Nablus governorate in the westbank, Palestine by Mousa, 2011 [22] to measure the electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations revealed that the exposure levels from that stations met the ICNIRP and FCC standards. Also, comparable results were found by Nayyeri et al., 2012 [23] where the radiofrequency radiation levels measured in 900 locations around 60 mobile phone base stations in Tehran were within the permissible limits of the ICNIRP. A similar study was carried out in Al-Khartoum city in Sudan reported that the maximum value of power density was 0.025 W/m2 which is quite small compared to the ICNIRP limits of 4.5 W/m2 for the public and 22.5 W/m2 for the telecommunications workers [24] .

A number of investigations have recognized health-related indications due to the extensive use of mobile phones and living in neighborhoods near the cellular base stations [17] [25] [26] [27] [29] . Nonetheless, other researchers have stated inconsistent outcomes concerning the possible consequences of electromagnetic fields emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones on human health [29] [30] . Fatigue, headache, diarrhea, sleep disruption, dizziness, and loss of memory symptoms were self-reported symptoms by an individual’s residence within 300 m of cellular base stations in France [31] . Similarly, the above-mentioned symptoms were noticed as harmful effects related to mobile phones university students in a Malaysian medical school [32] . However, further investigations are required to prove the recent debate of increase cancers incidence among exposed people to low-level exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cellular base stations [3] [33] . Comparable results were found by Owodunni Ayanda Samuel et al., 2017 [17] where a low level of awareness of the of electromagnetic waves radiated by the phones among the population of Bosso, Niger State, Nigeria.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

The electromagnetic power density, electric field strength, and the magnetic field strength emitted from cellular base stations were measured on 3, 6, and 20 meters away from station antenna and on 3, 6, and 20 meters from the base of the antenna were low and less than the Palestinian protocol and international acceptable limits. No relationship between the electromagnetic power density and the antenna heights at different distances was found. The heights of the station from the earth’s surface almost ranged between 15 and 50 meters. The distance between the antenna and the protective fence was more than 5 meters and the height of antenna from the nearest building found within 10 meters radius was higher than 2 meters for all stations for the majority of stations. All stations were licensed by the EQA; however, it was noticed that the roof’s gates of 13 stations were not completely locked. There were no warning signs and labels in all stations. No antenna’s cells directed toward schools. Furthermore, the awareness of participants about health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations and mobile phones was low. Nevertheless, the participant’s practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellular base stations and mobile phones on their health were good practices.

Consistent with the study outcomes, we offer the following recommendations:

1) The telecommunication companies commitment to providing the required warning signs in the area of Cellular Base Stations according to the environmental protocol for mobile macrocell installation in Palestine.

2) Regular monitoring and periodic surveillance should be carried out by the Palestinian EQA and other stakeholders to ensure the operations performance of base stations and to guarantee that public persons cannot access the base station.

3) Sensitization awareness-raising campaigns to improve public consciousness concerning health risks that could result from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations as well.

4) Efforts should be made by the community institution to promote best practices in mitigating the adverse impacts of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular base stations on their health.

5) Our study call for epidemiological future studies to investigate the association between exposures to RF emitted from mobile telephone base stations or broadcasting transmitters and incidence of diseases throughout Gaza strip.

Acknowledgements

Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority is appreciated for giving us the opportunity to implement this study. The authors would like to thank the participants in this study for their important contributions.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Cite this paper

Yassin, S., Musleh, M. and Abuzerr, S. (2019) Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure from Nearby Cellular Base Stations in the Gaza Strip, Palestine: A Concern for Public Health. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 7, 46-59. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2019.74006

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