Safety Measurements of Electromagnetic Fields Radiated from Mobile Base Stations in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

Over the last decade, detrimental effects of human exposure to electromagnetic radiations have received widespread attention. Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) in Saudi Arabia has set guidelines and launched a national project—in collaboration with academic and research institutions—to perform measurements of the “electromagnetic fields” (EMFs) radiated from base stations of the mobile phone network. In keeping with its mission to address problems of the local community, Electrical Engineering (EE) department at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) has been commissioned to conduct this project in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The project is concerned with measuring the strength of EMFs around base stations to locate the Maximum Peak Point (MPP). The aim of measurements is to ensure the site compliance with the CITC guidelines for human exposure to Radiofrequency (RF). This paper discusses possible health consequences caused by human exposure to RF radiations. Furthermore, it summarizes the results from 20 selective base stations located in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Taif and Yanbu. The results show that EMF levels at all surveyed sites are far below the National Guidelines for public exposure to RF and that the MPPs are found within the distance range suggested in the CITC guidelines. The paper concludes by providing some useful comments and recommendations for RF sites surveyors.