Title: ASSESSMENT OF NON-IONIZING RADIATION EXPOSURE LEVELS IN NAIROBI CITY
ABSTRACT
Assessment of non-ionizing radiation (NIR) exposure levels in both urban and rural areas is necessary due to the increased use of wireless communication devices and other devices that utilize radio-frequency energies. In addition, overexposure to NIR has been associated with adverse human health effects such as nerve stimulation and changes to cell membranes permeability. The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) provides NIR exposure guidelines for both the occupational workers and the general public. The city of Nairobi is highly populated and consequently has many base transmission stations installed by various telecommunication providers. However, there has been no scientific study undertaken so far to assess the NIR exposure levels. This work aims at providing a preliminary study of NIR exposure levels to the general public in Nairobi by measuring radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields systematically using Spectran Analyzer and mapping the obtained data using geospatial techniques. In addition to the city’s Central Business District, fine settlement areas surrounding the city will be assessed and their results compared with the ICNIRP standards. The results from the proposed study will be used to inform NIR protection measures by the relevant government authorities and also form the baseline for future NIR exposure studies.
