Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Emissions

2022 AUG 11

Preliminary   > Science and Technology   >   Communication technology   >   Communication technology

Why in news?

  • Several steps taken by the government to reduce Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Emissions.

About Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Emissions:

  • They are invisible areas of energy, often referred to as Radiation, which is associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and human-made lighting.
  • Sources:
    • Natural Sources (such as thunderstorms, and the earth’s magnetic field)
    • Human-made sources (such as medical equipment using static fields (e.g. MRI), wireless, telecommunications and broadcasting equipment)
  • Above certain levels of radiation, EMF emissions can be harmful to health and affect the human body as well as that of animals in different ways depending on their frequency.

Government steps:

  • EMF emissions standards for mobile towers (they are non-ionizing Radio frequencies and not dangerous):
    • Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions norms from mobile towers in India are already ten times more stringent than the safe limits recommended by WHO.
  • Monitoring of EMF emissions:
    • Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are to adhere to the prescribed norms including the submission of a self-certificate before the commercial start of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) site.
  • EMF audit by the field units of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
  • Penalty and shut down of services if found non-compliant.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Emissions:

1. They are produced from both natural and human-made sources

2. Electromagnetic Field (EMF) emissions norms from mobile towers in India are more stringent than the safe limits recommended by WHO

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

                          C

">Answer