The Department of Communications and Computer Engineering at the University of Malta, in association with Vodafone Malta Ltd, has launched Progett Gardjola - a new initiative to inform the public about radio frequency radiation.
Through Progett Gardjola the public will be able to monitor radio frequency (RF) radiation levels in different localities in Malta and Gozo in quasi-real time. Vodafone Malta Ltd has allocated 10 electro-magnetic radiation probes to be used in this project.
Electro-magnetic radiation probes measure radio frequency field levels emitted within the 100 kHz-3 GHz range including TV, radio and GSM transmissions. These probes have been installed in different locations across the Maltese Islands.
The readings from each probe will be downloaded daily to the Web server situated at the University of Malta, which will then display readings on the Communications and Computer Engineering Department's Website: http://gardjola.eng.um.edu.mt/emr/.
These readings are reproduced in graphs. In each graph one can view the emission readings for the selected probe as well as the maximum allowable emission levels set by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), which have been adopted by the Maltese authorities.
The first two probes, located in Birkirkara, are already operating and readings have already been forthcoming from both probes. Other probes have been installed at the University of Malta, Naxxar, Rabat, Ta' l-Ibrag, St Julian's, Sta Lucija.
In future the electro-magnetic radiation probes will be used in localities where there is public concern about health issues. They will enable the public to monitor the radio frequency radiation levels through the Engineering Department's Website.
"Vodafone Group has committed €7 million to research the effects of radio frequency fields on health," Vodafone Malta's managing director Joseph C. Grioli said. "The company is aware that the increasing popularity of mobile phones and the need to increase the number of base stations for the provision of a better service has focused public concern over related health issues.
"This investment in research by the Group, which also includes Malta, reflects the fact that Vodafone takes its social responsibility very seriously."
ICNIRP has published guidelines for limiting public exposure to radio frequency energy. These are defined as the power absorbed per kilogram of body mass and are called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).
The recommended limit is of 0.08 watts per kilogram (i.e., 41.2 V/m). This is a very small amount when compared to the heat normally produced by a 50-kilogram person at rest: which is about 50 watts, i.e. 1 watt per kilogram.
In addition, the guidelines also recommend partial body peak SAR limits. For example, the head only limit is 2 watts per kilogram. So even low power handsets that inherently meet the whole body criteria also have to meet the peak SAR limits to restrict possible localised heating.
The power emitted by base stations is 50 watts. This is very low when compared to the 100,000 watts emitted by an average television transmitter.
"Vodafone is committed to ensuring that its networks are completely safe and this monitoring project being conducted with the University's Engineering Faculty is part of an awareness programme, which will help reassure the public by presenting the facts about radio frequency radiation," Mr Grioli continued.
The name Progett Gardjola was chosen because the Gardjola served as "the eyes and ears" of what took place both in the vicinity and on the horizon. It is a symbol of attentive monitoring that in the past used to immediately indicate and alert the population about any possible risk.
Vodafone's Progett Gardjola will keep a lookout on RF field levels, not only those generated by Vodafone, but also from other mobile networks and transmission sources, and ensure that they are well below even the accepted standards.
Vodafone has always adhered to the various international regulations and guidelines applied to the construction and operation of radio base stations. All Vodafone installations comply with ICNIRP guidelines on general public exposure.
When base stations are being planned, radio frequency engineers design the site to ensure that radio frequency field levels are kept to a minimum.
Vodafone Group policy is to reduce the base station power to the minimum levels required for the network to function effectively.
The networks are also designed to instruct each phone to reduce its transmission power to the minimum required to obtain a signal. This reduces exposure to radio frequency considerably and maximises battery life.