Emission levels 'far lower' than internationally accepted limits

All the surveys carried out on mobile phone base stations in Malta have shown emission levels of electromagnetic frequencies to be "far lower" than internationally accepted limits, the Malta Communications Authority said yesterday.

The authority said the finding should significantly reduce the degree of public concern.

Studies carried out throughout July and August on 25 base stations around Malta and Gozo showed EMF levels to be well below the maximum levels for public exposure stipulated by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection, MCA chief technology officer Colin Camilleri said when contacted.

The surveys had confirmed that operational standards were being met and maintained by both mobile phone operators, Mr Camilleri said.

The Malta National Laboratory had been subcontracted to carry out the on-site surveys.

"All the measurements taken so far gave average readings below five per cent of the maximum safe level for public exposure as stated by health guidelines. These are classified low to very low," Mr Camilleri said.

Slightly higher values of power levels (which were still well below the ICNIRP limits) were obtained when measurements were taken at very close proximity (within a few metres and at similar height) to an antenna - but these were normally locations which were not reachable by the public and were therefore of minimal concern.

The MCA started its on-site surveys of electromagnetic frequency from mobile phone base stations last July, with the intention of accurately measuring the emission power density levels in the areas around mobile phone antennas.

A number of base station sites were selected at random for a full audit this year, including locations in Birkirkara, Fgura, Gzira, Hamrun, Marsascala and Mellieha.

There are an estimated 250 base stations dotted around Malta and Gozo and the MCA intends to survey no fewer than 150 of them over a three-year period.

This amounts to about 60 per cent of all base stations. The UK's audit covered just 10 per cent of the total base stations.

Each "costly" test lasts an hour and a half.

Mr Camilleri said the tests were preceded by a considerable amount of planning involving the use of sophisticated modelling and mapping software.

The logistics involved in carrying out the tests themselves is also quite complex since the appropriate locations in the vicinity of the antennas, from where testing can be carried out, need to be identified.

Special attention was given to areas close to hospitals and schools.

It was a very complex process - one which required the services of a physicist and an electrical engineer, Mr Camilleri said.

"The MCA is not professionally qualified to give health advice on the cause and effects of electromagnetic radiation. Its main objective is to ensure that the radiation levels emitted from mobile phone base stations are within the ICNIRP guidelines."

The authority also consulted awareness groups in an attempt to obtain their views on the topic.

Mr Camilleri stressed that it was not the authority's intention to defend the operators in any manner.

"Our overriding responsibility is the public," he said.

Base stations on rooftops close to homes have sparked a number of inquiries from people concerned about the potential health hazards.

The results of all other tests will also be published.