Chandigargh: Mobile towers sending out some unfriendly waves too

The effects of health of electromagnetic radiations from mobile towers are debated; but the city is getting a chunk of those waves, says a new study

Express India, Revathi Ramalingam

Chandigargh, September 6: A study by the Centre for Environmental Studies, Panjab University, has detected very high levels of Electro-magnetic Radiation (EMR) caused mainly by the city’s mobile phone towers.

According to the study, Sector 46 recorded the highest levels of EMR - 97900 microwatts per square metre - followed by Sectors 42, 51, 21, 40, 30 and 18.

The world over, there has been an intense debate over the possible health hazards posed by EMR. Research studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to EMR could cause neurological, cardiac, respiratory and ophthalmological disorders. Some of the long-term effects include brain damage, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s disease, genetic damage and increased risk of cancer. Studies have also shown that the radiation affects teenagers and children more.

Despite this, mobile towers continue to be erected near schools, residential areas, universities, markets and parks not only in Chandigarh but across the country.

Talking to Newsline, Dr R K Kohli, coordinator of the Centre said the study was conducted over a period of three months. Several readings were taken in each Sector using an RF Field Strength meter at different heights - six feet, chest level and ground level. The data was then compiled and an average taken to give the readings.

According to the study, Sector 1 recorded the lowest reading of 500 followed by Sector 4 at 1,300. In addition, popular hangouts such as Sector 17 recorded a figure of 15,500 while the reading at Panjab University in Sector 14 was 2,600. Interestingly, the readings were found to be much lower near trees as the trees absorb the radiations to a large extent. The effects of EMR on health continues to be a widely debated topic with some experts saying that the studies done so far are not conclusive and more long term data is needed to determine effects.