Assessment of public exposure to radiofrequency radiation near mobile phone base stations in Iran

Fast growth of the number of mobile phone subscribers in Iran, over the last few years, is the reason for construction of more and more base stations (BTS) especially in residential areas.
As the BTS antennas emit radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy, so it is the main concern of general public about their health and safety.
The aim of this research work is to assess public exposure to RF radiation around BTS antennas. The public exposure is essential to remain within the limits defined in national standard for non-ionizing radiation- exposure limits, which is compatible with ICNIRP limits and approved by Iranian Regulatory Authority.
Since Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) is used in Iran, therefore RF radiation is measured in GSM frequency band in about 1500 locations and 4500 points, near the 300 BTS antennas. All measurements were carried out using a calibrated RF survey meter, in areas accessible to the public, all over the country, during three years.
The results show that the power density levels are far below public exposure limits by a factor of 100 or more. Finally it is concluded that BTS antennas meet the criteria presented in national regulations in Iran.