Reducing radiation

The implementation of new norms for cutting down electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers is a welcome step and will reduce a much-discussed health hazard and allay major apprehensions in this respect in the public mind.

The new norms, which are considered to measure up to international standards, have come into effect. They are expected to bring down the radiation emissions from mobile towers by as much as 90 per cent. Though it has been claimed by operators that most of the mobile towers in the country are in compliance of the norms there have been serious doubts about it. The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament had criticised the department of telecommunications for not taking the issue seriously.

The ministry of environment also had commissioned study on the impact of radiation from mobile towers on human and animal health.

There are about 4.5 lakh base transceiver station (BTS) towers in the country and they dot crowded residential and industrial areas. Many of them have to be repositioned with the introduction of the new norms which specify that the minimum distance from a tower to a residential building has to be 35 metres.

The norms are applicable to mobile handsets also. New handsets manufactured henceforth will have to comply with lower radiation specifications. There are more stringent penalties for violation of the norms.

Random checks will be carried out by the telecom department to ensure that the norms are being followed. These should be done properly and effectively and should not go the way of inspections conducted to check food adulteration. Citizens’ complaints about violation of norms should also receive serious consideration.

With the profusion of electronic gadgets people are always exposed to radiation. Stray radiation may be a fact of life but sustained exposure to high levels will pose a danger to public health. The possibility of radiation from mobile telephony has not been convincingly proved but there is the impression that the danger is downplayed by telecom operators.

The authorities have said that there would not be any network problems because of the implementation of the new norms. But companies have warned that there might be more call drops because of the reduction in signal strength.

They are also expecting an increase in operating expenses as more investment is needed to set up more towers. But this is necessary price to pay to eliminate a health hazard  about which most people would not have a choice.