The Hazards of Building in the Vicinity of Electromagnetic Fields: Lessons for Building Code Enforcement in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper dealt with the topic of electromagnetic field (EMF) and its effects on building occupants when such buildings are located within the vicinity of the field. Two main sources of EMF, namely, high voltage power transmission lines and cellular towers, were reviewed. Empirical evidence revealed that they have a tendency to emit electromagnetic fields and they have been determined to be hazardous to building occupants. Studies have also established that when buildings are erected within an unsafe distance to the fields, occupants of such buildings become exposed to health risks. Indeed, evidence exists to show that exposure to these fields can lead to cancer in children and that men exposed to the fields are also susceptible to health risks. Studies by the International Agency for  Research on Cancer (IARC) among others, assessed the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) positing that human responses to RF-EMF can occur from use of personal devices such as mobile telephones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, and amateur radios; from occupational sources such as high frequency dielectric and induction heaters, and high-powered  pulsed radars. Exposures can also occur from environmental sources such as mobile phone base stations, broadcast antennas, and medical applications. This paper also examined standards for safe distances and buffers for building location with respect to EMFs and made recommendations for policy makers and building code enforcement services.

Keywords: Building Codes, Epidemiology, Carcinogenicity, Radio Frequency, Extreme Low Frequency, Non-Ionizing Radiation

DOI: 10.7176/JETP/9-3-01

Publication date:March 31^st 2019