Base Stations and Health
What is a base station?
The term ‘base’ means foundation or ground. Unlike traditional radio systems, which use only a single antenna (transmitter), base stations employ two antennas—one for receiving and one for transmitting signals, thus functioning as both receiver and transmitter.
Do all base stations provide standard coverage?
No;
We classify base stations into three categories based on their output power and intended coverage areas: macro (large-scale), micro (small-scale), and pico (very small-scale) stations. Depending on antenna height, geographical conditions, and transmission power, base stations can serve an area ranging from 0 to 35 km. The deployment of macro (large-scale) stations typically occurs in sparsely populated rural areas and along intercity roads, where wide coverage is required. Urban areas—streets, avenues, and public squares—with high mobile phone usage and greater capacity needs use micro (small-scale) stations. Pico (very small-scale) stations are specialized indoor solutions designed for limited spaces, such as shopping malls, business centers, and hotels.
Too many base stations are being installed within city centers. Wouldn’t it be better to install a single base station on a high hill outside the city instead?
Only television and radio transmitters are suitable for broadcasting from a single station, because communication in these systems is one-way. That is, your television or radio only receives signals; it does not send your voice or image back. As a result, a single transmitter can serve millions of receivers simultaneously. However, mobile phone systems must support two-way communication. In other words, mobile phones not only receive the other party’s voice but also transmit your voice back. This process—simultaneous signal reception and transmission—introduces a significant capacity limitation in mobile networks. Roughly speaking, each base station can support voice communication for approximately 100 users simultaneously. Therefore, to serve hundreds of users simultaneously, mobile operators install base stations at regular intervals in urban areas, based on population density and usage patterns.
Can base stations be safe for public health?
The base station application process in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) mirrors that of other countries; applicants submit their applications to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority thoroughly reviews each application before it is installed. Following installation, inspectors ensure compliance with all conditions specified in the original application.
Why is there a perception that base stations are harmful?
People often mistakenly associate nuclear radiation with both mobile phone radio waves and the thermal effects of electromagnetic fields. Common misconceptions about the alleged harmfulness of base stations mostly stem from a lack of information or the spread of misinformation. Considering the global scale and widespread use of such communication systems, it is doubtful that a structure posing serious risks to public health would remain in operation in today’s world. Below, you will find more detailed information on electromagnetic fields and radiation.
What is an Electromagnetic Field (EMF)?
An electromagnetic field (EMF) comprises electromagnetic waves. These waves comprise two components: an electric field (E) and a magnetic field (B), and they travel at the speed of light. In daily life, many everyday situations expose us to electromagnetic waves, such as receiving television and radio signals, working at a computer screen, or using household electrical devices like electric blankets and microwave ovens.
What Are the Sources of Electromagnetic Energy?
Systems that operate with electrical energy are the primary sources of electromagnetic energy. In our daily lives, we constantly use or encounter systems that emit electric and magnetic fields. Below are some common examples.
Various household appliances include refrigerators, washing machines, irons, blenders, food processors, and hair dryers.
- Television and computer screens
- Fluorescent and halogen lamps
- Electric medical devices used in treatments
- Power transmission lines and transformer stations
- Radio, television, wireless communication, and GSM transmission system antennas.
- Radar systems and satellite communication systems
What are the electric field strengths generated by household appliances?
Operating voltage: (110 – 220) V, Operating frequency: 60 Hz, Distance from device: 30 cm.
Device Electric Field Strength (V/m)
- Electric blanket 250
- Microwave oven 250
- Electric kettle 130
- Notebook (with wireless on) 100
- Stereo system 90
- Back of CRT monitor 80
- Refrigerator 60
- Iron 60
- Mixer 50
- Toaster 40
- Hair dryer 40
- Television 30
- Coffee machine 30
- Front of CRT monitor 25
- Vacuum cleaner 16
- Mobile phone 5-15
- Wireless modem 5 - 10
- Base station 10
The electric field strength of base stations is significantly lower than that of many household electrical appliances we use daily.
What is radiation?
Radiation refers to the emission and propagation of energy. It is the transfer of energy through space as waves or particles (such as photons). We broadly classify radiation into two categories: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Do mobile phones emit radiation? Is it the same dangerous radiation released during events like Chernobyl?
No. The radio waves emitted by mobile phones have no similarities to nuclear radiation. Nuclear radiation requires radioactive elements such as uranium or plutonium, which are not used in mobile phone systems. Mobile phones are digital radio transceivers that use radio waves for wireless communication. Since wireless communication is not possible without radio wave transmission, all such systems—including mobile phones—must emit radio waves to function. These emissions are non-ionizing and different from the ionizing radiation associated with nuclear incidents like Chernobyl.
Is there a cancer risk associated with electromagnetic waves from mobile phones and base stations?
No, ionizing electromagnetic (EM) radiation can be harmful when overexposure occurs, as it may damage the genetic structure (DNA) of living cells, potentially leading to mutations and cancer. However, the radio frequency (RF) waves used by mobile phones and base stations are non-ionizing and therefore do not have enough energy to alter DNA. Today, mobile communication systems operate within the 800 MHz to 2000 MHz range, which falls under the microwave spectrum. These frequencies belong to the non-ionizing radiation group. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has established a limit of 41.2 V/m for exposure to base stations. In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTHK) has adopted a more conservative approach: the maximum field strength from any single base station must not exceed one-quarter (¼) of the ICNIRP limit as a precaution to protect public health and the environment. Additionally, every base station is subject to a technical review before installation. After installation, BTHK inspects and monitors compliance with the application conditions and measurement results.
Could outdated mobile phone systems still be in use in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?
Constant technological development requires us to update our mobile phone systems, just as the phones themselves are updated. Otherwise, the system would not be compatible with users’ devices and would be unable to meet current communication needs. Mobile communication systems operate in line with modern global standards. Although there may be minor technical differences, these systems operate similarly worldwide. Thanks to this interoperability, users can easily use their phones while roaming in European countries or elsewhere around the world.
When using mobile phones, what health precautions should you consider?
Mobile devices emit electromagnetic waves with increasingly relevant effects, especially during calls, particularly when held close to the head for extended periods. Using a wired or Bluetooth headset during long conversations can significantly reduce noise exposure. Additionally, when a user starts a call on a mobile device, it emits more power to connect to the nearest base station. Once the call connects, the device switches to a lower, more stable transmission power. For this reason, it is advisable not to bring the phone directly to the ear immediately after dialing. Instead, waiting until the other party answers before placing the phone to the ear can help reduce exposure to electromagnetic waves.