Evaluation of the cellular and Wi-Fi radiofrequency pollution levels in the Western Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cellular communication networks and Wi-Fi sources are becoming abundant in the present day. There are some discussions about the adverse effects of the radiation emitted by these sources on people living in environments with higher radiation levels. In this study, background RF radiation levels due to common cellular network bands and Wi-Fi hotspots were monitored using a high-frequency spectrum analyser (SPECTRAN HF6065) within the Western Province of Sri Lanka to understand the current RF pollution levels in the environment. Results of the study reveal that the Colombo City area has the highest RF pollution levels of all the selected network bands. However, measured maximum radiation levels were approximately 0.9 % compared with the international guidelines published by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Spatial distribution patterns were generated based on the measured Radio Frequency (RF) exposure levels which could be useful for the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) and for other concerned institutions.