Radio frequency fields on campus

Abstract

Ever since the increased use of electromagnetic fields as part of modem technology, several epidemiological studies being carried out are trying to establish a link between health and non-ionising electromagnetic fields. As a result, the ICNIRP guidelines published in 1998, put up a series of minimum requirements that must be complied with, in order to prevent any possible negative health effects. Focusing on Radio Frequency fields, many measurements were taken on selected areas at the University of Malta Campus to determine whether these RF transmissions conform with the ICNIRP guidelines. Originating mainly from GSM, TV transmissions and other sources, the power density (W/m2 ) of each main frequency band could be measured by using the NARDA instruments SRM-3006 and NBM-550. Exposure maps were then plotted for these areas. Time Series measurements as well as power spectra measurements were also taken, which ultimately led to a method which compensates for time variation when plotting time-compensated spatial exposure maps.