What is EMF and EMR?

EMF - Electro Magnetic Field is an invisible charge of force that is associated with
the use of electricity. Voltage in any wire creates an EMF around it. EMF is
intangible - you cannot feel it, touch it, smell it or see it. EMF is present
wherever electricity is used - all electrical appliances emit some EMF.
EMR - Electromagnetic Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic
waves.
Electromagnetic waves are part of everyday life

They are emitted by natural sources such as Sun and Earth

All Objects emit electromagnetic emission because of their temperature

called as thermal radiation.

Man made sources of electromagnetic waves commonly used are

electrical sources like washing machines, mixers, ovens, dryers,
televisions, computers, broadcasting towers, radio waves (RF Waves) etc.

The Sun is the biggest source of Electromagnetic Waves in the atmosphere.

Human beings also emit Electromagnetic waves

Even Human beings emit electromagnetic waves. Thus if we were to take

a problem from the legendary book on Physics by Resnik and Halliday
(or any high school Physics Book using the Wiens Displacement Formula)
and compute the wavelength emitted by human body at normal
temperature of 34C (which is 307K) and identify the region in the

electromagnetic spectrum, the answer would be 9.4m and in the Infra

Red region.

- Thus there is nothing to be afraid of electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic Waves emitted by the Sun, Stars and Human Being

What devices emit EMF?

Any device that uses electricity emits some EMF - the questions are whether the
amount of EMF it emits is within recommended limits.
Radio waves are also electromagnetic waves like those emitted by other sources
shown ( TV, Computers, Microwave Ovens, Sun Light, FM Radio, Satellite TV,
Police Wireless etc).

What are some sources of radiofrequency radiation?

RF EMR is produced by both natural and artificial sources. Natural sources like
the sun, the earth and the ionosphere all emit low level RF fields. Artificial
sources of RF EMR are mainly used for telecommunications purposes. Radio and
television broadcasting, mobile phones, pagers, cordless phones, police and fire
department radios, point-to-point links and satellite communications all produce
RF EMR. Other sources of RF fields include microwave ovens, radar, industrial
heaters and sealers, and various medical applications.

Manmade Sources of Electromagnetic Waves.

How is radiofrequency radiation measured?

RF EMR has both electric and magnetic field components. It is often convenient
to express the strength of the RF field in terms of each component. For example,
the unit "volts per meter" (V/m) is used to measure the electric field strength,
and the unit "amperes per meter" (A/m) is used to express the magnetic field
strength. Another common way to characterize an RF field is by means of the
power density. Power density is defined as power per unit area and is expressed
in units of watts per square metre (W/m2) (or milliwatts per square centimetre,

mW/cm2, or microwatts per square centimetre, W/cm2). The quantity used to

measure how much RF EMR is actually absorbed by the body is called the
Specific Absorption Rate or SAR. The SAR is usually expressed in units of watts
per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts per gram (mW/g).

Energy of the Photon

As we studied in our Class 12th Physics, all Electromagnetic Waves are
constituted by an elementary particle called as the Photon. Wavelength and
frequency determine the characteristic of Electromagnetic Field. Photons of
higher frequency Electromagnetic Waves carry more energy than that of lower
frequency field. As per Plancks equation the energy of a Photon (E) is
proportional to the frequency.
E = hf
where "h" is called the Plancks Constant and f is the frequency
The above equation tells us that the Energy of the Photon of RF Waves is
6,00,000 times lower than the Energy of the Photon of Visible Light which is in
the ratio of their frequencies. In other words as can be seen from Table below
the Photon of RF Wave has energy which is 0.0000021 times that of Sun Light.
Energy of Photons in eV and Comparison with Visible
Light
Visible
X
Gamma
RF waves
Light/M2) rays
Rays
Energy of
0.0000037 1.77
1,241 124,070
Photon
Ratio wrt
0.0000021 1
700 70,012
Visible Light
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum extends from below
the low frequencies used for modern radio communication to gamma radiation
at the short-wavelength (high-frequency) end, thereby covering wavelengths
from thousands of kilometers down to a fraction of the size of an atom. The limit
for long wavelengths is the size of the universe itself, while it is thought that the
short wavelength limit is in the vicinity of the Planck length.
Electromagnetic Spectrum is characterized by the frequency of the
Electromagnetic wave. Thus the electric supply in our homes and offices is at 50
Hertz (50 Hz). The unit of frequency is the cycles per second that the

Electromagnetic wave experiences and is named after the legendry physicist

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (22 February 1857 1 January 1894), a German physicist
who first conclusively proved the existence of electromagnetic waves theorized
by James Clerk Maxwell's electromagnetic theory of light.
Higher units of frequency are Kilo Hz (10 3), Mega Hz (106), Giga Hz (109), Tera Hz
(1012), Penta Hz (1015) and Exa Hz (1018).
We must mention here that FM 101 is actually FM radio at 101 MHz frequency.

Electromagnetic waves are divided into two categories - Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiations

Ionizing Radiations: Some electromagnetic waves carry so much energy that they have the ability to break bonds between molecules.
These are called Ionizing Radiation. Examples include gamma rays given off by radioactive materials, cosmic rays and X-rays. Thus when
we go to any hospital for an X-Ray or for CT Scan we find a sign board stating that CAUTION: X-Rays. This is because X-Rays are ionizing
radiations.

Non-Ionizing Radiations: Electromagnetic waves that do not carry sufficient energy to break bonds between molecules are Non-Ionizing
Radiations. All man made sources of EMF generally fall under non ionizing radiations. Also Non-Ionizing radiation are used safely in medical
applications like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and Sonography. Both MRI and Sonography use radio waves.

Use of Radio Waves in Medical Application

Sonography Machine

MRI Scan

Body Area Network (BAN)

Photoelectric Effect

One of the classical ways of explaining the Energy of Photon is to study the Photoelectric Effect. The photoelectric effect is the observation
that many metals emit electrons when light shines upon them. Electrons emitted in this manner may be called photoelectrons.

The photons of a light beam have a characteristic energy proportional to the frequency of the light as discussed earlier. Albert Einstein
showed that the Photoelectric Effect is possible only above a threshold frequency above which the Energy of the incident Photon is
adequate to dislodge an electron (typically in the Ultraviolet band). If the photon energy is too low, the electron is unable to escape the
material. Since an increase in the intensity of low-frequency light will only increase the number of low-energy photons sent over a given
interval of time, this change in intensity will not create any single photon with enough energy to dislodge an electron. Thus, the energy of
the emitted electrons does not depend on the intensity of the incoming light, but only on the energy (equivalently frequency) of the
individual photons.

The Solar Cell uses the Photoelectric Effect to generate electric current.

This theory explained to the World as how important is the frequency of the Electromagnetic Wave since the Energy of its Photons depends
on the same. The Radio Waves have frequency as 6,00,000 times lower than that of Light Waves and are thus incapable of producing any
such effects which breaks a bond.

The above explains that even light waves are not able to break a bond below a threshold frequency and thus the RF Waves
which have energy 600000 (Six Lakh) times lower than light waves are harmless.

EMF and Mobile Telephony

Mobile Telephony uses radio frequency (RF) signals to transmit and receive information by using extensive network of base stations. These
Radio Frequency Signals are electromagnetic waves. The Base Stations are further classified as Macro Cells or Mobile Towers as they are
commonly referred to and as Small Cells or Micro Cells or FEMTO Cells. Macro Cells are typically installed outdoors on rooftops or on ground
based towers for wider geographical coverage and thus emit higher powers. Small Cells are typically installed indoors or outdoors for
limited coverage and thus have lower power. The Electromagnetic Spectrum consists in order of increasing frequency the following - Low
Frequency Waves, AM/FM Radio Waves, TV Broadcast, RF Waves used by Mobile Towers or Cell Sites, Satellite TV, Infra Red Waves, Visible
Light, Ultraviolet Waves, X rays and Gamma Rays. Thus RF waves have even lower frequency than Visible Light and the effect of RF waves
is a small subset of Visible Light (Sun Light).

Type of Towers used in Mobile Telephony

As discussed earlier, Mobile Telephony uses Radio Waves to transmit and receive information by using extensive network of Base Stations.
The Base Stations are further classified as Macro Cells or Mobile Towers as they are commonly referred to and as Small Cells (In Building
Solutions, Micro Cells, Femto Cells). While the former are typically installed Outdoors on roof top or on ground based tower for wider
geographical coverage and thus emit higher power, the latter are typically installed Indoor or Outdoors at lower height for limited coverage
and thus have lower power.

Two types of Tower are generally used in Mobile Telephony for Macro Cells as also depicted in photographs below

Ground Based Tower

Roof Top Tower

Ground Based Tower (GBT)

Roof Top Tower (RTT)

EMF Standards and EMF Compliance

A standard is a general term incorporating both regulations and guidelines and
can be defined as a set of specifications or rules to promote the safety of an
individual or group of people. The ultimate goal of health-based EMF standards
is to protect human health.>
A number of national and international organizations have formulated guidelines
establishing limits for occupational and residential EMF exposure. The exposure
limits for EMF fields developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Exposure, Emission and Measurement Standards
Exposure standards are basic standards of personal protection that generally
refer to maximum levels to which whole or partial body exposure is permitted
from any number of EMF emitting devices. Emission standards set various
specifications for electrical devices and are generally based on engineering
considerations, e.g. to minimize electromagnetic interference with other
equipment and/or to optimize the efficiency of the device. Measurement

standards describe how compliance with exposure or emission standards may

be ensured.

Adoption of ICNIRP Guidelines for Telecom Sector in India

World Map showing the EMF Standards followed (India has stricter
Standard than Europe)
"Most of the World Follows the ICNIRP Standards"

Most of the countries in world follow the ICNIRP (International Commission for
Non Ionizing Radiation Protection) and FCC (Federal Communications
Commission USA).
ICNIRP is the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection. It is
a publicly funded body of independent scientific experts consisting of a main
Commission of 14 members, its Scientific Expert Group and its Project Groups.
The expertise is brought to bear on addressing the important issues of possible
adverse effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation.
In the year 2008, India has adopted ICNIRP guidelines, but consequently, to be
on safer side India has revised the Guidelines and adopted further stringent
guidelines (which are 1/10th of ICNIRP Guidelines, as detailed below) and were
made effective from 01/09/2012 and was applicable throughout the Union of
India.
a. f /2000 W / m2 for the range 400 MHz to 2 GHz
b. 1 W / m2 for the range 2 GHz to 300 GHz with f as frequency in MHz,
Thus for 900 MHz the EMF limit is 0.45 W/m2 for India. The above Standards are
applicable for all areas of Public Access. For Occupational Areas of exposure for
Technical Staff of Cellular Operator the limits are set as 50 times higher than
those for Public Access.
Therefore, India has adopted one of the safest EMF safety standards in the world
with emission levels more than 500 times lower than safe limits for its people
across all age-groups.

The ICNIRP guidelines (and similar IEEE Guidelines) are endorsed by WHO (World
Health Organization), are internationally recognized, globally accepted and

widely endorsed. A comparison of the International Exposure Standards for RF

field in various countries is USA, Canada and Japan as 12 W/m 2 , ICNIRP and
European Union recommendation as 4.5 W/ m2, Australia as 9 W/m2 and India as
0.45 W/m2 (highest value for 900 MHz Band).
This makes them as ten times more stringent than 90% countries in the world.

It is mandatory for all the Telecom Operators across India to comply with these
Guidelines. All the Compliance to the EMF standards is ascertained using the
following methods
a. Calculation Method based on ITU T recommendations.
b. Software Simulations Method for electromagnetic mapping.
c. Broadband Measurements
d. Narrow Band for Frequency Selective measurements
Exposure Zones - the area surrounding a Base Station can be divided into 3
categories Compliance Zone where EMF Signals are below the Standards of
public access, Occupational Zone for Employees and Technicians of Cellular
operator and the Exceedance Zone where the EMF Signals exceed the Safety
Standard. All areas of Public Access must fall in the Compliance Zone.

Energy of the Sun

The Power Density received from the Sun is 1300 Watts / m2. It reduces to 1000
Watts / m2 when it reaches the Earth Surface.

Thus the EMF Standards are 2200 times lower than the Power Density received
from the Sun (1000 / 0.45).

Let us see a case study done in Mumbai on a building wherein 4 operators were
sharing a Cell Site.

The Energy received from the Sun in one hour has been compared with the RF
Energy in 3 combinations-

At 20 m from the Antenna

In the Floor below the Roof Top housing the Antenna

At 100 m away from the Antenna

With an average human life of 80 years, the life time RF exposure at just 20 m in
line of sight from the antenna is equivalent to 40 hours in Sunlight, in the floor
below as less than five hours in Sunlight and at 100 m is less than two hours of
Sunlight.
RF Waves Properties

RF Waves are like Sun Light, they decay very rapidly with distance and
have very low energy

RF signals decay very rapidly with distance. RF signals are inversely

proportional to square of the distance & frequency and at just 1 meter
away from the antenna are one- thousandth (1/1000) of the power
emitted by the antenna and the RF signals at 10 meters away from the
antenna are one-hundredth of the signals at one meter from the antenna.

The results shown are for 900 MHz for which the Standards have the
lowest limit (f/2000) - thus if the same is achieved then the limit for higher
frequencies would automatically be achieved

By the time it reaches the street below or the next building at 10 metres
away, it is more than 1,00,000 times lower than the original emission
value.

Thus if the EMF Standards are complied with in front of the Antenna then
at 10 metres away the compliance is achieved by a further factor of
1,00,000 times.

All of us have experienced that as we go indoors the RF signals become

weaker and weaker.

Distance
RF Signal Decay
Factor

1m

2m
1/4
0.001
th

4m
1/16
th

8m
1/64
th

16m
1/256 th

The decay of RF Waves with distance can be thus shown as under at 10

m it is 0.00001 times emitted power

RF POWER DECAY FOR 900 MHz BAND WITH

DISTANCE
Distanc
e from 1m 2m
4m
8m
10m 16m
antenna
RF
Signal
Decay
0.00 0.0002 0.000062 0.00001 0.0000 0.00000
Factor
1
5
5
6
1
4
wrt
emitted
power

Thus while the Standards are important, more critical is to assess the
Power Density in actual areas of Public Access wherein it falls below
thousands of times lower than the Standard.

As per measurements on the street in front of the Cell Sites the Power
Density is more than 1000 times lower than the EMF Standards and is in
the range of W/m2

POWER DENSITY MEASUREMENTS ON STREET JUST BELOW

THE CELL SITE
Antenna
Height
Power
Number of
Ratio of EMF
Site
above
Density
Lat
Long
Operators
Standard With
Name
Street
Measured
at Cell Site
Measurements
Level in
(W/m2)
m
Rachana 19.2185 72.9562 30
4
0.00039 1148
Kasam
19.1867 73.0461 33
4
0.00037 1233
Tower
Honey Bee Hives on Mobile Towers
Photographs of Bee Hives on our towers and bird nests on our towers to dispel
the myths being circulated that Radio Waves impact Bees
Photo1 - Site address: Gat no. 313/5,GTL GBT, Village Chinchpada, Tal Navapur,
Dist Nandurbar, MH

Photo2 - Tower at Pen in Raigad District of Maharashtra

Photo3 - Chindwara in MP

The above photographs clarifies abundantly the myth being circulated that
Radio Waves impact Bees.

Mobile Phones are Essential

From Good to have and bare necessity, the mobile phones have become an
essential part of our life, they provide us connectivity in times of emergency. As

the World moves towards the next generation of Mobile Phones i.e. 5G, we need
to ensure that we keep pace and ensure that economic and social growth
system continue of which the Mobile technology is now an inherent part.

Protection against EMF - Can I protect myself from EMF?

Radio Waves have been on Earth since the day it was created. The Sun, Planets
and the Stars all emit Electromagnetic waves of different frequencies. What is
important for us is to understand that whether these Electromagnetic waves are
harmful and what protection mechanism has been built for human beings.
The ICNIRP Standards set limits for human exposure to RF EMR in the frequency
range 3 kHz to 300 GHz. The Standards also include requirements for protection
of the general public and the management of risk in occupational exposure,
together with additional information on measurement and assessment of
compliance. Safety is achieved in three ways.

Known Effects of RF Exposure

When biological tissue is exposed to sufficiently high levels of RF exposure, the

tissue is heated and damage may occur. The ICNIRP Radiation Protection
Standard "FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE TO TIMEVARYING ELECTRIC, MAGNETIC AND
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (UP TO 300 GHZ)" is based on the well-established
thermal effects of exposure to RF fields and is followed across the world. The
exposure limits are set well below levels where any significant heating occurs.
The Standard also sets limits for pulsed radiation that are intended to eliminate
possible effects where heating is not evident (non-thermal effects). Thus even if
we stand right in front of the Antenna we do not feel any heating effect.
Some research has indicated that non-thermal effects resulting from low-level
RF exposure may also occur. However, the existence of these effects and their
implications has not been sufficiently established to allow for them in the
Standard.
It is most important to understand that the EMF standards limit the power
emitted by Cellular Antennae. These standards are applicable even on the roof
top where the Mobile Towers are mounted. Thus even the roof top has to be
compliant to the standard for the RF Waves of all Operators added together.
While we must know the EMF Standards, what actually matters is the signal
strength at the point of measurement which is mostly thousands of times lower
than the Standard.
Safety Standards
Safety standards have been enforced for all types of Radiation (Ionizing as well
as Non-Ionizing). As long as the radiation levels are within the safety standards
there is nothing to fear. Again it is emphasized that Electromagnetic waves are a
part of our lives ever since life started on the Earth.
Wi-Fi Routers and Safety
The Radio Waves being used have very low energy and fall in the Non Ionizing
Band (even Sun Light also falls in the same band with much higher frequency
and much higher energy than radio waves). The Sun radiates most of its energy
in the visible band and part of its energy in the Radio Band thus Radio waves
are a part of nature and have been on earth ever since it was created. The Sun
is the largest source of Electromagnetic Waves in the atmosphere. Even human
being emit electromagnetic waves (mostly in the infra red band).
All electromagnetic waves are classified in two categories Non Ionizing Band
when their energy is not sufficient to break a bond and Ionizing Band when their
energy is sufficient to break a bond. In the Non Ionizing category fall the AM

Radio, Police Wireless, Sonography, MRI Scan, FM radio, TV (Doordarshan),

Mobile Radio & WiFi, Body Area Networks used by Doctors, Satellite TV, Infra
Red, Sun Light etc and in the Ionizing Band are the X-Rays and Gamma Rays.
The Power of these radio waves decays very fast with distance at just one
meter away it falls to less than ten-thousandth of its emitted value for a
frequency of 2.4 GHz used by WiFi Radios and then decays further inversely as
square of the distance. This makes the power as minuscule in areas of public
access.
The maximum power emitted is limited by the EMF standards issued by FCC
(Federal Communications Commission USA) and ICNIRP(International
Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) and are followed across the
world including India.
In Case of WiFi the maximum emitted power varies between +10 dBm to + 20
dBm (Radio Waves use the unit as dBm which is deci-Bell with reference to 1
milli-Watt) which corresponds to the range of 10 milli-Watt to 100 milli-Watt
(average 50 milli Watt). This further decays with distance as per point number 3
above. Thus by the time it reaches one meter away it is lesser by a factor of
10000 times and at two meters it is lesser by a factor of 40000 times lower than
the emitted value.
The ICNIRP standards put a limit on emitted power density as 10 W / sq m as the
safe limit for the band greater than 2 GHz in which the WiFi devices Operate.
Also ICNIRP specifies that sources with Power Less than 2 Watt are classified as
inherently compliant to safety Standards. In this case the emitted power is 50
milli watt which falls in the inherently compliant category. Thus the emitted
powers are 200 times lower than the safe limit ( = 10 W / 50 milli watt) and at
just one meter away are 2,000,000 times lower than the safe limit (as the power
decays by 10000 times further).
Thus while the radio waves due their non ionizing band and extremely low
energy are harmless with their emitted power itself being 200 times lower than
Safe Limit and as an extra precaution a distance of one meter would achieve
safety by a further factor of 10000 times.
DoT Complaint Redressal System
DoT has rolled out a Public Grievance Number for Mumbai wherein complaints
regarding EMF Radiation can be registered at 99 695 55000. DoT would then
arrange a field visit at a prescribed fee of Rs. 4000/- in addition, the Field Units

of DoT (TERM Cells) carry out monthly audits and there are strict penalties for
non-compliance. Penalty of INR 10 Lakhs per Technology per location is levied in
case any Cell site exceeds the Safety Norms.
Thus RF waves energy is so low that strict adherence to these norms ensures
there are no health hazards.The ICNIRP Standard has a built in safety factor of
ensuring that RF Waves Power Density is 50 times lower than safe limit. In India
this Safety Factor has been made 500 times in the Standards itself.
The RF energy from a Cell Site installed on a building doesnt radiate vertically
down towards the top floor and instead radiates horizontally in front of the
antenna and doesnt cause adverse health effects on the residents of the
buildings where mobile tower set up is installed as is also confirmed by actual
measurements.
Department of Telecom (DOT) has made it mandatory that even the rooftops
housing the antennas are compliant to the norms.
The RF field weakens very quickly as it moves away from the antenna and its
power is minuscule (very low) even as compared to Sun Light and reduces by
100,000 times by the time it reaches the street below or the next building.This
ensures that RF Power Density is lower by Lakhs of times than the Safe Limit by
the time it reaches the next building.
The Energy Received from standing in the Sun for One Hour is equivalent to that
received at 20 mtrs from antenna for Two years.
During night time with reduced voice and data traffic, the emitted power is
generally half of that during the day which is another salient feature built by
default in all equipment.
With the safety aspect taken care of, there is absolutely no need for restricting
the installation of towers & Cell sites on schools and hospitals as the current
guidelines provide added safety margins for all sections of the population at all
locations.
In times of emergency, all of us need the mobiles to communicate with our
loved ones.
Please always think of the analogy with the Sun the next time we come across
such misleading information linking Mobile Towers to cancer. Also it is learnt that
certain vested interests after creating fear in the minds of the public then

market their so called anti radiation products. We need to guard against such
activities.
Mobile Communications is a boon to the society and the world is making great
strides in the same. India has adopted more stringent standards than even
European Countries and strict compliance is being ensured for them as well.
Lastly, in the recent Uttaranchal floods with the help of telecom infrastructure,
the stranded people could communicate and many lives were saved due to the
same. Some time back about 6 boys lost their way in a National Wild Life Park,
after many hours of struggle in this leopard infested jungle, one of the boys
could get some signal on his mobile and all of them got saved. No helpline
numbers for fire/ safety/ medical help can be reached in emergency if we do not
have mobile coverage. No internet site can be reached as well.
This list is endless and goes on to say that from Luxury, to Good to have to
Bare necessitymobile phones have become integral part of our lives, as both
life support and life management tool and these would not work if cell towers
are removed .v