Electromagnetic Waves and Health

The ever-evolving technology is undoubtedly penetrating into modern life rapidly. With the introduction of these new technology products into human life, daily work becomes easier and time and energy are used more economically. From time to time, there are publications in the media about the negative effects of these products, which are getting harder and harder to give up, or to put it more clearly, that the electromagnetic waves they emit may cause harm to health. However, this issue is still among the research and discussion topics of scientists.

Considering the possibility of negative health effects of the developing technology, it is necessary to take precautions in terms of public health, but although it is still unclear, the negative publications of some media organs affect the public psychologically. human health by the World Health Organization (WHO); "It is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." is expressed as. As stated in this definition, not only physical condition but also psychological condition is important in human health. For this purpose, new research, examination and results, which are deemed important on the effects of existing or ready-to-use new technological devices on human health, will be published on the Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTHK) website, and public health is of primary importance instead of information that has not been approved by scientists, which negatively affects human psychology. It will be ensured that the public is informed in a conscious way with the aim of giving information.

In the frequency spectrum seen in the table below, there are two types of electromagnetic radiation: Ionizing and Non-Ionizing, according to their energies, and another classification according to their effects on living things.

1. Ionizing EM radiations are in the high frequency region with enough photon energy to ionize the atomic bonds that hold the molecules in the cells together (that is, the deformation of the atom by the effect of the uncharged neutron that holds the positive (proton) and negative (electron) charges in the atoms together) It has energy values starting from (electron volt). Examples are Rontgen (X-ray), Gamma and Cosmic rays. Overexposure to these rays is dangerous because of its effects such as damage to organelles in the living cell and disruption of the DNA chain.
2. Non-ionizing EM radiations are Electromagnetic (EM) waves formed by photons that do not have the necessary energy to break these atomic bonds. These; visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, RF (Radio Frequency) waves, microwave, static and magnetic fields. That is, it is about 1000 GHz of the frequency spectrum, starting from 1 Hz (Hertz = frequency unit-wave number per second). The measured energy value is, for example, 0.00125 eV at 300 GHz, which is very low compared to the level that will ionize. However, these areas may cause thermal effects (heat increase) in the body depending on factors (i.e. distance, power and exposure time, etc.) and some experts suggest that they may also cause biological effects. The cancer effect has not been proven yet.

In living beings under the influence of non-ionizing EM waves; As mentioned above, two types of effects can occur, thermal and non-thermal. Thermal effects are defined as the conversion of EM energy absorbed by the body into heat and increasing body temperature. This temperature rise, heat, blood circulation, sweat etc. It lasts until it is balanced by throwing with it. Non-thermal effects, on the other hand, are still unknown and research continues on this subject. There are still 3 opinions on the subject.

1.Current limit values are high and Electromagnetic (EM) waves are harmful to human health.

2.The effect of EM waves occurs after 15-20 years.

3. EM waves are not harmful as they have no ionizing effect.

Undoubtedly, it is scientists who will answer these three views. However, as a country, what we need to do for now is to take precautionary measures against the possibility of such a damage.

There are many studies on the subject in the world. ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection / International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) is one of the leading institutions that the world and European countries take as a reference in determining limit values for exposure to EM fields. The limit values determined by this organization in the international arena are among the most widely accepted values in many European countries and in different countries of the world. ICNIRP is an independent research organization officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The studies in the ICNIRP Guidelines were conducted by an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, physicists, epidemiologists and other related scientists in collaboration with universities and research institutions.

Information on non-ionizing radiation is widely misrepresented to the public for various reasons. However, all electrically operated devices emit this radiation to a certain extent. ICNIRP, supported by the World Health Organization, has determined the standards for Wireless technology in particular. Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTHK), which is the authorized institution in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, takes ICNIRP, which is the most preferred authority in the world and preferred by EU countries, as a reference. Scientific studies have determined the value that is thought to affect human health for non-ionizing radiation as 2,000 Volts/Meter. Accordingly, the limit value determined by ICNIRP for base stations is 41.2 Volts/meter, and these values have been accepted by BTHK in TRNC. Information Technologies and Communications Authority constantly reviews the current limit values in accordance with the precautionary principle.

Scientific studies conducted around the world do not provide scientific evidence on the effects of non-ionizing radiation on human health and the environment, but develop recommendations regarding usage habits.

Although, as a result of many researches and examinations, both the devices used in electronic communication infrastructures (Radio/TV transmitters, base stations, R/L etc.) Although it has been concluded that there is no negative effect on living things if they are used below the limit values accepted by organizations such as the World Health Organization and ICNIRP, until the ongoing research in this area is concluded, the operators and manufacturers of the devices in question all over the world closely follow the developing technologies and emit EM Waves. and SAR values, it is recommended that they take all necessary precautions without making any sacrifices to lower the parameters.