Negative radiation from cell phone towers is most dangerous in the center of large cities

Scientific and technological progress is profoundly transforming our environment. Over the years, production capacities in most countries have steadily increased, resulting in electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of anthropogenic origin becoming one of the major factors affecting human health—alongside ionizing radiation and chemical pollution.
Measurements of electromagnetic radiation confirm that it is becoming a global problem. In today’s world, it is difficult to imagine life without the use of electrical appliances in everyday activities. Even a person without a deep understanding of physics realizes that any device powered by a 220 V network is a source of artificial electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at a frequency of 50 Hz.
The human body does not possess a specialized system for detecting electromagnetic fields (EMFs); therefore, the only way to identify electromagnetic pollution is through measurements of electromagnetic radiation. However, some individuals who are constantly exposed to EMFs report experiencing headaches, fatigue, irritability, drowsiness, memory loss, and reduced performance.
In such cases, it is essential to measure electromagnetic fields and ensure adequate protection against their effects. Electromagnetic fields of artificial origin differ significantly from the geomagnetic field of the Earth and can cause desynchronization of intercellular and interorgan interactions in biological systems that are naturally attuned to the planet’s electromagnetic background. Neurodynamic processes in the human body are among the most sensitive to the influence of EMFs.
In 1995, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the term “global electromagnetic pollution.” According to WHO experts, exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields may be associated with an increased risk of cancer, behavioral changes, memory loss, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, sudden infant death syndrome, and higher suicide rates. For this reason, the WHO has included the issue of electromagnetic pollution among the priority global health concerns.
Over the past 35 years, the intensive development of industry, information technology, defense, and other areas of human activity has led to the emergence of a new environmental issue—electromagnetic pollution. In populated areas, the main sources of this pollution include radio equipment such as cellular towers, television centers, and airport radio navigation systems, as well as electrical power infrastructure. These sources encompass radio and television stations, radar systems, mobile and satellite communication towers, computers, household appliances, power lines, and transformer substations.
Since 1994, the problem of electromagnetic pollution in populated areas of Ukraine has worsened due to the growing number of cell phone towers, which has led to increased levels of electromagnetic radiation.
The development of telecommunication technologies, radar systems, medical devices, Doppler systems, and other innovations has led to the widespread use of the short-wave radio frequency spectrum. Measurements of electromagnetic fields show that the frequency range applied across various fields of science and technology—from tens of hertz (industrial frequencies) to 10¹⁴ hertz (infrared range)—exhibits diverse characteristics, with power levels ranging approximately from 10⁶ to 10⁻³ watts.
The issue of protection against the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is becoming increasingly important. Measurements of electromagnetic radiation in workplaces and residential areas confirm that the number of people exposed to excessive levels of EMF energy is growing each year. This trend is reflected in the rising incidence of diseases among individuals living in areas with high exposure to radio waves. Therefore, monitoring (through regular measurement of electromagnetic radiation) and implementing effective protective measures have become critically important tasks.
Numerous studies confirm the negative impact of electromagnetic radiation on both human and animal organisms. For example, exposure of rats to electromagnetic radiation at a frequency of 915 MHz has been shown to cause damage to brain neurons. Similarly, exposure to a magnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz can induce changes in blood parameters indicative of inflammatory processes.
High levels of electromagnetic pollution are associated with a twofold increase in disease risk. Research involving measurements of low-intensity radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (radio waves) and their effects on living organisms suggests that microwave radiation may have mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Cellular-level studies using Chinese hamster cell cultures have confirmed an increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei following exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
Repeated exposure to ultra–high-frequency electromagnetic waves (MWF) plays a significant role in the development of nervous system pathologies. Animal studies have shown that prolonged exposure to MWF can cause pathological changes in neurons of both the brain and spinal cord.
An increase in electromagnetic exposure by 50% above normal levels leads to a 17% rise in overall disease incidence. When exposure exceeds the normative values by 150%, the incidence of respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, and nervous system pathologies — including depressive disorders — increases by 37%.
Electromagnetic radiation also affects human reproductive function, demonstrating both gonadotropic and embryotropic effects, which can contribute to infertility in men and women. Among populations living in areas with elevated electromagnetic exposure, the incidence of chronic diseases is 1.5 to 2 times higher compared to those residing in “clean” environments.
Studies conducted by Ukrainian hygienist scientists, who measured electromagnetic radiation and examined population morbidity in areas affected by electromagnetic fields (surveillance zones), have revealed a statistically significant increase in overall morbidity. In particular, higher rates of respiratory diseases, hypertension, and pathologies of the nervous system and sensory organs were observed. Additionally, allergic diseases and infectious skin lesions were found to be more common in women than in men.
Electromagnetic safety standards in Ukraine are defined by the State Sanitary Standards and Rules for the Protection of the Population from the Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation, approved by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Order No. 239, dated August 1, 1996). According to these regulations, the permissible intensity level of electromagnetic radiation for the general population is 2.5 μW/cm² — significantly lower than the European standard of 100 μW/cm². It is important to note that, due to the lack of reliable information on actual exposure levels, both the Ukrainian population and authorities remain largely uninformed about the extent of electromagnetic radiation in their environment.
Measurements of electromagnetic fields from radio engineering facilities have shown that permissible exposure limits are exceeded by up to 20 times. With the continuous increase in the number of electronic and electrical devices used in industrial, administrative, and residential settings, it has become essential to assess the electromagnetic environment (through electromagnetic field measurements) and predict its potential changes. Specialists from the Scientific and Service Company OTAVA conduct electromagnetic radiation measurements in accordance with state standards and provide recommendations for protection against electromagnetic field exposure.
Data from ecological and hygienic monitoring of radiotechnical facility locations indicate that more than 70% of these facilities are situated within or near populated areas. Measurements show that electromagnetic radiation levels in such zones can exceed permissible limits by a factor of 2 to 20. Up to 2,000 people may fall within the area of influence of a single radiotechnical facility, including those in sensitive sites such as medical and childcare institutions.
Studies of electromagnetic radiation in Kyiv show that the highest levels of electromagnetic load are observed in the central districts of the capital, where the concentration of cellular base stations is greatest. In these areas, electromagnetic radiation levels may exceed the maximum permissible limits within the zones of influence.
It is also noted that, to meet the demands of mobile network subscribers, operators install transmitting and receiving equipment in both underground and above-ground structures. Measurements indicate that electromagnetic radiation levels in these structures can exceed the permissible limit of 2.5 μW/cm².
Measurements of electromagnetic radiation in Kyiv indicate that the highest levels of electromagnetic field exposure occur in the central districts of the capital, including Shevchenkivskyi, Pecherskyi, Solomianskyi, and Podilskyi. This is primarily due to the high concentration of cellular base stations in the city center. Since many residents work in or pass through these areas, additional base stations are installed to ensure uninterrupted mobile network service. A similar situation is observed in other Ukrainian cities with populations exceeding one million.
The results of these measurements enable an assessment of whether electromagnetic radiation levels comply with safety standards. If elevated levels of electromagnetic pollution are detected, experts can provide recommendations on the most effective measures to protect against the effects of electromagnetic fields.
This article is based on the work of Yaroslav Pershehub, Candidate of Medical Sciences and Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Carcinogenic Factors, State Institution "IGME named after O.M. Marzeev," National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.