The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) conducted Electro Magnetic Emission (EME) tests at various places in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday to clear the apprehensions of the people on possible health hazards of cell towers.
No cell tower is allowed to radiate more than 1000 milliwatts per metre square as per the guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) through the TERM cells (Telecom Enforcement Regulatory Monitory Cells).
The EMF levels recorded at the following places in Visakhapatnam are: IV Town Police Station junction – 3.9 milliwatts, Sarovar Hotel junction - 5.2 milliwatts, Dabagardens - 23.23 milliwatts and Jagadamba junction - 7.366 milliwatts.
COAI principal advisor P. Ramakrishna said that the non-ionising radiation from cell towers do not cause any health hazard.
He said that the DOT standards were tough and erring operators could be fined Rs.10 lakh with possible licence cancellation, if they deviate from the 1000 milliwatts limit.
Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO) report released in October 2014, he said there were no health hazards from either cell phones or cell towers.
He appealed to the people to overcome their misapprehensions and contribute to the broadband revolution and to promote the smart city concept for Visakhapatnam.
Cellular Operators Association of India conducts Electro Magnetic Emission tests at various places in the city
