Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Cookridge Area of Leeds, England S Y Ely, K Fuller, A D Gulson, P M Judd, A J Lowe and J Shaw Occupational Services Department, National Radiological Protection Board, Hospital Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 6RW, England. E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract: The National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) is an independent body that has responsibility for advising UK government departments and others on the protection of people from ionising and non-ionising radiation (NIR) hazards. NRPB undertakes research into NIR sources and effects, and provides a comprehensive measurement and advisory service. In addition, NRPB receives many thousands of enquiries each year from individuals who are concerned about their exposure to radio waves, particularly those emitted by mobile phone base stations at around 900 and 1800 MHz. This paper describes the response to one such enquiry from a Member of Parliament (MP) representing local community groups and residents, who were concerned about emissions from three large telecommunications installations close to their homes and local schools. A survey of the radio wave exposure in the area around the three installations was carried out, measuring the total exposures due to all radio signals from 30 MHz to 18 GHz, using a variety of antennas connected to a spectrum analyser. The measurement range was chosen to include all the emissions from the local transmitters, including mobile phone base stations, emergency services' radiocommunications, pagers and microwave dishes. Emissions from transmitters further away, such as broadcast television and radio signals, were also detected. The results are compared against the guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).