Evaluation of Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure from Mobile Base Stations in Lagos

The proliferation of mobile telecommunications base transceiver stations across Nigerian cities has raised public concern about human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation. Lagos State hosts the highest density of BTS installations in Nigeria, with over 3,000 active base stations across its 20 local government areas. This study evaluates the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure levels from selected base transceiver stations in the Ikeja, Surulere, and Lekki areas of Lagos using a broadband RF radiation meter and a spectrum analyser antenna system. Power density measurements are performed at distances of 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 metres from antenna masts for GSM-900, GSM-1800, UMTS-2100, and LTE-2600 frequency bands. Results indicate maximum measured power densities of 0.28 mW per square metre at 10 metres, decreasing to below 0.008 mW per square metre at 200 metres. All measured values remain below the ICNIRP 2020 reference levels for continuous public exposure of 4.5 to 10 mW per square metre across the measured bands. Cumulative exposure from multiple co-sited base stations does not exceed 30 percent of the reference level in any measurement scenario. The study recommends a permanent EMF monitoring network for Lagos State under Nigerian Communications Commission oversight. Keywords: electromagnetic radiation, base transceiver station, RF exposure, Lagos, ICNIRP