Awareness and Self-Reported Health Hazards of Electromagnetic Waves from Mobile Phone Towers in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Pilot Study

Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam

doi:10.1155/2014/952832

Abstract

Background. Over the last few years there have been concerns regarding the health effects of electromagnetic waves (EMW) produced by mobile phone base transmitter stations (BTS). Data on possible health effects of EMW in developing countries are rare. This study was conducted to determine the awareness and self-reported health hazards of EMW from the mobile phone BTS in Dhaka city.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 respondents living around BTS in Dhaka city. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, mobile phone use, BTS and EMW awareness, and self-reported health problems.Results. The majority of respondents (92.7%) reported to have seen a BTS but only 29.5% knows how it works and 74.5% had no knowledge about the EMW. 49% respondents experienced sleeping disturbances while recent episodes of headache or dizziness were reported by 47% and mood change or anxiety or depression by 41%. About 22% complained about other physical or mental symptoms.Conclusion. Awareness about the possible health hazards from EMW of BTS is low among the inhabitants of Dhaka city. A number of respondents mentioned recent health effects but the association with BTS could not be established.

Highlights

The world has witnessed rapid growth of mobile phones use over the past few decades
The use of mobile phone in Bangladesh has increased over the past few years with the total number of mobile phone active subscribers reaching 114 million at the end of December 2013 from 26.66 million at the end of May 2007 [2]. With this growth in mobile phone use there has been inevitable increase in the number of mobile phone base transmitter stations (BTS), accompanied by public concern for possible health impacts associated with exposure to electromagnetic waves (EMW) emanating from BTS
The results of our study show that awareness of EMW and BTS is low among most of the respondents

Summary

Introduction

The world has witnessed rapid growth of mobile phones use over the past few decades. Worldwide in 2013, there were 6.8 billion mobile phone subscribers which are almost as many people on earth [1]. The use of mobile phone in Bangladesh has increased over the past few years with the total number of mobile phone active subscribers reaching 114 million at the end of December 2013 from 26.66 million at the end of May 2007 [2] With this growth in mobile phone use there has been inevitable increase in the number of mobile phone base transmitter stations (BTS), accompanied by public concern for possible health impacts associated with exposure to electromagnetic waves (EMW) emanating from BTS. Over the last few years there have been concerns regarding the health effects of electromagnetic waves (EMW) produced by mobile phone base transmitter stations (BTS). This study was conducted to determine the awareness and self-reported health hazards of EMW from the mobile phone BTS in Dhaka city. A number of respondents mentioned recent health effects but the association with BTS could not be established

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion