Experimental study on broadband radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations near cellular base stations: a novel perspective of public health

The purpose of this study is to measure and document the maximum level of broadband radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations in the vicinity of cellular base stations. The measured broadband frequency range from 467.5 MHz to 3.5 GHz, which includes most cellular services, is considered. The power densities were found to vary from 40 µW m⁻² to 34.12 mW m⁻². The field measurements of 276 different sites distributed across various rural and urban areas regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were conducted, and the radiation levels were assessed. It is observed that the broadband radiation power densities were found to be higher in urban areas as compared to rural ones, whereas the maximum radiation point was found to be closer to the cellular base stations in the urban areas. The broadband radiation levels were to be compliant with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiological Protection and US Federal Communication Committee standards for general public.