06 October 2022

The Gambia Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has acquired an electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation monitor with financial support from the World Bank. The acquisition comes in response to growing public concern about potential negative health effects of using mobile phones and base radio stations.

The EMF monitor will be used to check frequencies of 100Hz to 60GHz, which encompasses almost all frequencies used by telecommunications and ICT service providers nationwide. The initiative is part of PURA’s remit to protect consumers under the Gambia Utilities Regulatory Authority Act 2001. The regulator is also responsible for ensuring and providing information on electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones and radio base stations to address issues that may cause alarm and panic to the general public.

“The assessment of possible health risks from exposure to electromagnetic fields is based on evidence from scientific studies and research,” said Mamud Jobe, managing director of PURA.

PURA has already developed guidelines for electromagnetic radiation from electricity and telecommunications service providers in the country, which are consistent with those of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) regarding safe health exposure limits.