More about antennas, permitted levels and biomedical effects

Man is exposed to various radiations on a daily basis, most of which, at moderate exposure, will have no impact on health. As far as mobile telephony is concerned, electromagnetic radiation is frequently brought up in a negative context, although EMR is present all around us and may originate from natural and artificial sources. Light produced by light bulbs at home and radio waves are just the simplest examples for electromagnetic radiation – other sources are household appliances, high-voltage lines, TV antennas, radio communication systems. Man is constantly exposed also to other types of electromagnetic radiation:

• Radiation in the low-frequency range: AM and FM radio, TV, base stations, radars, high-voltage lines, GSM devices, toasters, microwave ovens,
• Radiation in the medium-frequency range : infrared and visible light,
• Radiation in the high-frequency range : ultraviolet light, x-ray and gamma radiation.

Permitted levels of electromagnetic radiation

EM fields: Croatia vs. European Union (regulations) Croatian regulations are even 6.25 times stricter than in the European Union.

In Croatia, the Regulations on Protection from Electromagnetic Fields (OG 98/2011) are in effect, issued by the Ministry of Health. All telecommunications equipment is subject to the provisions of the Ordinance on Limitations in Intensity of Electromagnetic Fields for Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (OG 183/2004, 89/2011). The international Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (up to 300 GHz) has been issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These safety limitations have been accepted for worldwide application by the UN International Health Organization, and they are also applied by Croatian Telecom.

However, compared to these standards, Croatian regulations are stricter by even 6.25 times. In the Republic of Croatia, the energy flow density limitations are five times stricter for occupational exposure, while in areas of higher sensitivity they are even 6.25 times stricter than in the European Union.

Antennas

An antenna is a device emitting electromagnetic waves; for its operation, additional equipment is required: the base station. Mobile telephony employs directional antennas – they are radiating into a specific direction, while in all other directions, especially downwards, the radiation is negligible. After a couple of meters, such radiation is already far below the permitted level.

The GSM network’s bases stations have been developed, tested and put into operation in line with international standards and requirements. The equipment manufacturers furnish Croatian Telecom with certificates indicating that the base stations meet al safety requirements of the ICNIRP, and that they meet a series of standards regarding product safety, electromagnetic compatibility and general technical regulations. Moreover, all base stations have the declaration of compliance with many European and international standards as issued by themanufacturer or his authorized sales agent.

Specific elements in setting up antennas in urban areas

In urban areas, many individuals are using mobile phones at the same time, therefore Croatian Telecom, in order to enable the respective number of calls, must set up several antennas and bases stations at shorter distances. The more antennas and base stations are set up, the less power they use to operate (emitting less electromagnetic radiation) without compromising the quality of service. On the other hand, the radiation of a mobile handset will vary with the coverage of a specific area – the better the coverage of an area, the less electromagnetic radiation of the mobile handset.