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Electromagnetic Frequency Pollution in Malawi: A Case of Electric Field and Magnetic Flux Density Pollution in Southern Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Fabiano Gibson Daud Thulu

    (Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

  • David Tembo

    (Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

  • Rowland Nyirongo

    (Department of Mathematical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

  • Patrick Joseph Cardinal Mzaza

    (Department of Physics, University of Malawi, Zomba 305218, Malawi)

  • Allan Kamfosi

    (Kamuzu Central Hospital, PAM Department, Lilongwe 207232, Malawi)

  • Upile Chitete Mawenda

    (Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi)

Abstract

In this study, electric field and magnetic flux density pollution levels were measured in southern Africa, a case of Blantyre City in Malawi, between 2020 and 2021. Sixty short-term measurements were performed using Trifield Electro Magnetic Frequency meter model TF2 in 30 different locations. Five high-population-dense sampling points were selected from school campuses, hospitals, industrial areas, markets, residential areas, and within the commercial and business center (CBC) of Blantyre. Electric field and magnetic flux density pollution monitoring was conducted between 10:00–12:00 h and 17:00–19:00 h for short-range analysis. Short-range results show that the maximum measured electric field pollution were 249.24 mV/m and 207.85 mV/m between 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00 respectively, which are below the public limits of 4200.00 mV/m for public exposure. Similarly, maximum short-range results for magnetic flux density were 0.073 G and 0.057 G between 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00 respectively which are below the public limits of 2 G for public exposure. Both measured electric and magnetic flux density were compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), World health organization (WHO), and Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE). It was determined that all measured values for both electric and magnetic flux density were smaller than set limits for non-ionizing radiation for both public and occupation health. More importantly, these background measurements establish a baseline for future changes to be compared against public safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabiano Gibson Daud Thulu & David Tembo & Rowland Nyirongo & Patrick Joseph Cardinal Mzaza & Allan Kamfosi & Upile Chitete Mawenda, 2023. "Electromagnetic Frequency Pollution in Malawi: A Case of Electric Field and Magnetic Flux Density Pollution in Southern Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-12, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4413-:d:1084786
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Modenese & Fabriziomaria Gobba, 2021. "Occupational Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields and Health Surveillance according to the European Directive 2013/35/EU," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-12, February.
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