Measurement and Analysis of Electromagnetic Field in Areas of Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

Chronic exposure to electromagnetic radiation from telecommunications installations is known to have significant harmful effects. Given the work being done to improve the quality of telecommunications in Cameroon, which involves an increase in the number of installations emitting electromagnetic radiation. Compliance with EMF exposure limits is being called into question. The objective is to measure electromagnetic fields in neighborhoods of Douala and compare them to the exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection for public. We identified 85 points near installations (telecommunications towers and electricity transmission towers) emitting electromagnetic fields, using GPS coordinates in the city of Douala. We used the PCE EM29 radiometer to measure the electric field, magnetic field, and power density in accordance with its user manual, while complying with the data collection protocol (electromagnetic waves) according to ANFR/DR 15-4.1. The results of the exposure values measured based on the identified points compared to the ICNIRP exposure limit values in public show that six points could exceed 0.045 W/m², which represents 1% of the power density limit value, and that no point reaches 10% of the threshold values. The measured fields remain below the limits set by the ICNIRP for the public in the city of Douala for the frequency range between 700 and 2400 MHz.