Analysis of Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure from Power Transmission Lines within Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Power transmission lines enable the efficient transfer of electricity over long distances. By transmitting electricity at high voltages, power losses due to resistance are minimized. This allows for the transport of electricity from power plants located far away to areas where it is needed, reducing the need for local power generation and promoting energy sharing and grid stability. While power transmission lines offer numerous benefits, they can also have some negative impacts on the environment. Power transmission lines generate electromagnetic fields, and there have been concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to these fields. As such some individuals and communities express concerns and advocate for caution and further research. In this study, Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) was measured from power transmission lines within Sokoto metropolis. Electromagnetic field meter GQ EMF-390 was used to measure radiation in units of electric field (EF), magnetic field (MF), and power density (Pd). The maximum and minimum values of EF were found to be 97.6 V/m and 50.7 V/m. The maximum value of the magnetic field was 7.9 mG and the minimum value was 1.3 mG. The maximum power density radiation was found to be 1.533 mWm^-2 while the minimum power density was found to be 0.001 mWm^-2.The highest value of specific absorption rate (SAR) was 7.88 W/kg. the SAR value obtained in this study is above the international standard limit for the general public set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) which is a limit of 0.008 W/kg of tissue. Therefore, people living close to these areas are not safe from the radiation hazard emitted by power transmission lines.