Effect of elevation on cumulative radiofrequency exposure from multiple communication towers

Radiation Protection Dosimetry · 2025 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 2607

RF power density decreased from the ground floor to the third floor, then was highest on the fourth (top) floor. The 900 MHz band had the highest measured power density (1.16E-03 W/m²).

Study snapshot

PublicationRadiation Protection Dosimetry · 2025

Study typeexposure_assessment

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Category: Radiation Protection / Environmental Health Institution: University in Ghana (Specific name not provided) Tags: radiofrequency exposure, elevation, communication towers, EMF, university campus, Ghana, 900 MHz band DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaf068 URL: academic.oup.com Overview University campuses, especially those in densely populated areas, require robust internet and communication connectivity to support academic activities. In Ghana, this has led to the proliferation of communication antennas on university grounds. This study examines how radiofrequency (RF) power density changes with elevation, specifically across different floors of high-rise university buildings. Methodology - Measurements were conducted using a spectrum analyser paired with a log-periodic antenna. - RF power density was recorded at various floor elevations within a public university building. Findings - RF power density decreased from the ground floor up to the third floor. - On the fourth (top) floor, RF power density reached its maximum. - The observed variation underscores the significant influence of building elevation on EMF exposure levels. - The 900 MHz frequency band produced the highest measured power density (1.16E-03 W/m2), highlighting its prevalent use for campus communication applications. Conclusion These findings emphasize a direct connection between elevation within high-rise buildings and cumulative exposure to EMF from surrounding communication towers. Notably, heightened RF power densities at higher elevations may increase EMF health risks for occupants on upper floors, particularly in environments with heavy reliance on 900 MHz communication bands.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeexposure_assessment

Effect directionunclear

PopulationOccupants of a public university building (Ghana)

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 900 MHz

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

RF power density decreased from the ground floor to the third floor, then was highest on the fourth (top) floor. The 900 MHz band had the highest measured power density (1.16E-03 W/m²).

Outcomes measured

RF power density (W/m²) by floor elevation
Maximum measured power density in 900 MHz band

Limitations

Sample size not reported
Single setting described (a public university building); generalizability unclear
Measurement timing/duration and number of measurement points not reported
No health outcomes measured (exposure assessment only)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "communication towers",
    "frequency_mhz": 900,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Occupants of a public university building (Ghana)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "RF power density (W/m²) by floor elevation",
    "Maximum measured power density in 900 MHz band"
  ],
  "main_findings": "RF power density decreased from the ground floor to the third floor, then was highest on the fourth (top) floor. The 900 MHz band had the highest measured power density (1.16E-03 W/m²).",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported",
    "Single setting described (a public university building); generalizability unclear",
    "Measurement timing/duration and number of measurement points not reported",
    "No health outcomes measured (exposure assessment only)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency exposure",
    "RF power density",
    "elevation",
    "floor level",
    "communication towers",
    "spectrum analyser",
    "log-periodic antenna",
    "university campus",
    "Ghana",
    "900 MHz"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.32,
      "reason": "Measurements taken within a university building where staff/students may be exposed during routine activities."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaf068
PubMed: Not supplied

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