Less radiation
–
better health
To the south of Limassol in Cyprus, the United Kingdom operates an air base equipped with powerful radio transmitters and tall masts for military operations. In 1999, these transmitters became a political issue, particularly in the nearby villages of Akrotiri and Asomatos. A health survey began in 2001.1
Explanations can be found under the question mark at the bottom right.
Radiofrequency radiation (i.e. radio and microwave radiation) was measured in Akrotiri and Asomatos, which are located next to the military base, as well as in Pano Kivides, which is located 15 kilometres northwest of the masts. Pano Kivides has no mobile phone masts nearby, and is more than 10 kilometres from the nearest radio and TV transmitter. However, its residents used mobile phones slightly more frequently than those in the other two villages. Residents of the three villages were asked to complete a questionnaire about their health.
The inhabitants of Akrotiri and Asomatos reported experiencing migraines, headaches and dizziness up to 3.7 times more frequently than those in Pano Kividis. The intensity of radiofrequency radiation in villages closest to masts was up to 832 microwatts per square metre (µW/m²), whereas in Pano Kividis it was below 0.27 µW/m².
Health effects and radiation |
||
|---|---|---|
| |
Akrotiri 862 µW/m2 Asomatos 561 µW/m2 |
Pano Kividis <0.27 µW/m2 |
|
Migraines |
2.7 |
1 |
| Headaches | 3.7 | 1 |
|
Dizziness |
2.7 |
1 |
| Depression | 2.6 | 1 |
The value of 1 for Pano Kividis indicates that this is the starting point for an increase or a decrease. Meaning that less than 0.27 µW/m2 is the reference. Akrotiri had the highest radiation intensity and scored the highest for all four outcomes.
It was hardly the military masts
The measurements revealed that sources other than the military were responsible for the greater part of the radiation. Specifically, a mobile phone mast in Akrotiri was mentioned.
Outdoor measurements |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| |
Total aver. |
Military aver. |
Total max-min |
| Akrotiri |
862 |
32 |
2869-96 |
| Asomatos |
561 |
4.2 |
5051-27 |
| Pano Kividis | <0.27 |
<0.27 | — |
The results are based on outdoor measurements taken at 12 locations in Akrotiri and 14 locations in Asomatos. The number of locations and max-min values in Pano Kividis was not reported.
Indoor measurements
Radiation levels were also logged indoors over an unspecified period of time and divided into two frequency ranges, below and over 100 megahertz (MHz). Military radiation was below the 100 megahertz limit, whereas mobile telephony was above it. FM radio and TV signals may have been present at levels both below and above the limit.
In Asomatos the radiation level below 100 MHz was 4.2 µW/m2 and 9.5 µW/m2 above. In Akrotiri, where there is a mobile phone mast, the radiation below 100 MHz was 6.6 µW/m2 and 32 µW/m2 above. There is a considerable difference in radiation levels between the outdoors and indoors. This is probably due to the construction technique involving stone walls. The indoor measurements were taken at the Akrotiri community centre, a local bank and a church in Asomatos. Results from logging at the Pano Kividis medical centre were not reported.
The researchers were pondering
The inhabitants of Akrotiri scored higher on both perceived risk and poor health. This may be because the masts are more visible from Akrotiri.
