The Environmental Impacts of Mobile Phone Base Stations Randomly Distributed for Selected Locations in Baghdad

Abstract

The mobile phone services in Baghdad had been started since 2004. The base stations were used to deliver these services were randomly distributed and they are a matter of concern for a large number of populations. A survey was made for selected locations. Measurements have been made for residential exposure to the electromagnetic power density radiated from these base stations. The maximum power density was 81.0 mW/m2 at 45 meter from the nearest tower at peak time. The average exposure was 8.226 mW/m2. Measured data were collected and compared with international standards and local standards for other countries. All values are found to be below international standard limits, nevertheless, these standards are insufficient to protect residential from low-level radiations. This is why some countries adopted different local standards. Survey reveals that base stations are installed near primary schools and hospitals below the recommended distance. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for the research results were introduced.