Vodafone to Make Cell Tower RF Emission Levels Available to the Public

Vodafone Malta is now providing the emission rates from its cell phone towers at selected locations. Through Progett Gardjola the public will be able to monitor Radio Frequency (RF) radiation levels in different localities in Malta and Gozo in quasi-real time. Vodafone Malta has allocated 10 electro-magnetic radiation probes to be used in this project. Electro-magnetic radiation probes measure radio frequency field levels emitted within the 100kHz - 3 GHz range including TV, radio and GSM transmissions. These probes have been installed in different locations across the Maltese islands.

The readings from each probe will be downloaded daily to the web server situated at the University of Malta, which will then display readings on the Communications and Computer Engineering Department's website - http://gardjola.eng.um.edu.mt/emr/. These readings are reproduced in graphs. In each graph one can view the emission readings for the selected probe as well as the maximum allowable emission levels set by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) which have been adopted by the Maltese authorities.

The first two probes, located in Birkirkara are already operating and readings have already been forthcoming from both probes. Other probes have been installed at the University of Malta, Naxxar, Rabat, Ibragg, St. Julians, St. Lucia. In future the electro-magnetic radiation probes will be used in localities where there is public concern about health issues.

"Vodafone Group has committed 7 million Euros to research the effects of radio frequency fields on health. The company is aware that the increasing popularity of mobile phones and the need to increase the number of base stations for the provision of a better service has focused public concern over related health issues. This investment in research by the Group, which also includes Malta, reflects the fact that Vodafone takes its social responsibility very seriously," said Vodafone Malta's Managing Director, Mr Joseph C. Grioli.

The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has published guidelines for limiting public exposure to Radio Frequency energy. These are defined as the power absorbed per kilogram of body mass and are called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The recommended limit is of 0.08 watts per kilogram (i.e. 41.2 V/m). This is a very small amount when compared to the heat normally produced by a 50-kilogram person at rest: which is about 50 watts, i.e. 1 watt per kilogram. In addition, the guidelines also recommend partial body peak SAR limits. For example, the head only limit is 2 watts per kilogram. So even low power handsets that inherently meet the whole body criteria also have to meet the peak SAR limits to restrict possible localised heating. The power emitted by base stations is 50 watts, this is very low when compared to the 100,000 watts emitted by an average television transmitter.

Vodafone's Progett Gardjola will keep a look out on RF field levels, not only those generated by Vodafone, but also from other mobile networks and transmission sources, and ensure that they are well below even the accepted standards."

Posted to the site on 24th March 2003