Power Density of Cellular Tower Against Distance, Direction and Height: A Case Study

The present study aims to evaluate the power density levels emitted from a cellular phone tower at different horizontal distances and heights, in Al-Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. A portable meter TES 593 was used to measure the power density levels. Specific absorption rate was calculated from the measured levels. The maximum average power density levels ranged between 0.234 mW/m^2 and 4.912 mW/m2. The highest levels were found within 40-50 m in south and north, and 160 m in west and east directions. The exposure levels were below the international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection (ICNIRP) limit and above the limit values recommended by some countries ( ≤ 1 mW/m^2). The maximum power density ~ 24.3 mW/m^2 was found at 11 m height, and 60 m distance from the tower. The levels reduced by ~ 58.76 % and 99% at 8 m height, 40 m and 60 m distances from the tower, respectively. Specific absorption rates (SARs) were below the international limit value (2 W/kg). The highest SAR value constituted 0.4% over the ICNIRP limit value, for 1800 MHz. The power density levels significantly varied with distance, direction, and height; these factors should be taken into consideration for determining the safety of a place.