BVI RADIATION LEVELS LESS THAN 8% OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Friday 9 July, 2010

The electromagnetic radiation survey facilitated by the (TRC) and conducted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) revealed that BVI electromagnetic radiation levels are less than eight percent of the safe general public exposure limits set by the standards of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). – The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) released the results of the electromagnetic radiation survey at a public meeting held on Tuesday at the Mooring’s conference room.

Mr. Sean Rocke, lead researcher from the University of the West Indies, gave a comprehensive analysis which included the methodology used in capturing and presenting the information. “We took measurements from areas throughout the Territory to ensure we had a representative sample of the BVI,” Mr. Rocke said. He told the gathering that all measurements taken were below eight percent of ICNIRP standards, which are the most conservative standards used in the western hemisphere.

Mr. Rocke informed the group that the radiation data collected was not only influenced by cellular towers, but other sources in the area contributed to the radio frequency emissions. “Cellular traffic accounted for roughly 50% of total electromagnetic radiation and less than six percent of the general exposure limits of the over all levels of the electromagnetic radiation captured during the study.” Mr. Rocke stated.

TRC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tomas Lamanauskas assured the gathering that his organization will take an in depth look at the study and will be guided accordingly and will also make the information available to the public. He noted that they will be partnering with other government agencies to ensure that the BVI public is protected accordingly to the best possible standards.
ICNIRP is a body of independent scientific experts consisting of a main commission, four scientific standing committees covering epidemiology, optical radiation and a number of consulting experts, to address the important issues of possible adverse human health of exposure to non-ionizing radiation. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) it conducts scientific reviews of the related issues and risk assessments carried. These reviews result in the publication by ICNIRP Exposure Guidelines, which are adopted by the WHO and many countries around the world as the standard for exposure to electromagnetic fields