Regulating Non-Ionizing Radiation in Uganda

Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy per quantum to ionize atoms or molecules. Sources of non-ionizing radiation are both natural and artificial…

1.0 Introduction

Non-ionizing radiation refers to any type of electromagnetic radiation that does not carry enough energy per quantum to ionize atoms or molecules. Sources of non-ionizing radiation are both natural and artificial as follows:

1. • (a) Examples of Natural sources of Non-Ionizing Radiation
   • (i) Sunlight
   • (ii) Fire
   • (b) Examples of Artificial sources of Non-Ionizing Radiation
   • (i) Telecommunication masts
   • (ii) Power transmission lines
   • (iii) Microwave ovens
   • (iv) Radars
   • (v) Metal detectors
   • (vi) Cell phones
   • (vii) Wi-Fi routers etc.

2.0 APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL SOURCES OF NON –IONIZING RADIATION AMENABLE TO REGULATORY CONTROL.

There are several useful applications of non-ionizing radiation sources in our daily lives.

Some of the applications amenable to regulatory control include;
a) Telecommunication base stations
Base stations are wireless communications stations that allow mobile phones to make calls, send data, and use other services. These masts are all over the country.

As of June 2024, there were 5,104 base stations and 4,999 tower sites in Uganda (Source: UCC Market Performance Report FY 2023/2024)
b) High voltage power transmission lines and transmission substations
A high voltage line is a power line that carries electricity at a voltage of 36kV or higher, while a substation is a part of an electrical generation, transmission, and distribution system used to transform voltage from high to low, or the reverse.

Line lengths as of September 2024 were;
(i) 66kV: 35.2km – Total transmission grid length: 4633km
(ii) 132kV: 3,743.4km – Number of transmission substations: 39
(iii) 220kV: 556km
(iv) 400kV: 496km
(Source:https://www.era.go.ug/index.php/stats/transmission-stats/transmission-network-length)
c) Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)
Scanners MRI scanners are large tube-shaped machines that use radio waves and strong magnetic fields to create images of the inside of the body. In the medical field, they are used for diagnostic purposes.

There were 16 facilities as of September, 2024 (Source: Uganda Medical and Dental Association database)

3.0 THE NEED FOR REGULATION

Whereas non-ionizing radiation has useful applications, there are some instances where exposure needs to be regulated especially for man-made/ artificial sources. Therefore, in order to protect the society and the environment from the harmful effects of non-ionizing radiation, safety limits are established above which biological and health effects may occur to the exposed victims.

According to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines of 2020, radiofrequency exposure levels should not exceed 100%. Similarly, exposure levels from high voltage lines should not exceed 200µT where there is perceived occupancy.

Prolonged exposure to low frequency magnetic fields may cause;
a) Short-term health problems such as Dizziness, Fatigue, Insomnia, and headaches.
b) Long-term health effects such as memory and perception impairment, brain malfunction and neutralizes sperm.
c) Miscarriage, tumor growth and skin growth, and deficiency in the immune system in animals.
d) Stunted growth, reduced root length and decolorized leaves in plants.
e) When it comes to machines, they interfere with aircraft and other communication systems.

4.0 ROLE OF ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL

Section 1(3) of the Atomic Energy Act Cap. 154, provides for the Council to apply the provisions of this Act in handling sources of electromagnetic radiation other than X-rays and gamma rays. This provision gives the Council the mandate to regulate the safety aspects of non-ionizing radiation sources and applications in Uganda.

In order to ensure the safety of society and environment from the harmful effects of excess exposure to non-ionizing radiation, Atomic Energy Council (AEC) carries out assessments in highly occupied settlements to verify if the safety limits are not exceeded.

5.0 PROGRESS MADE IN THE REGULATION OF NON-IONIZING RADIATION IN UGANDA.

a) Gazetting of the Statutory Order
Atomic Energy Council gazetted The Atomic Energy (Application of provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 2008 to sources of Electromagnetic Radiation) Order, 2023 in 2023. This order empowers Council to apply the provisions of the Atomic Energy Cap 154 to the sources of electromagnetic radiation other than X-rays and gamma rays.
b) Draft Regulations
In line with Section 72 of the Atomic Energy Act Cap. 154 Atomic Energy Council drafted the Atomic Energy (Non ionizing Radiation Protection) Regulations, 2024 which are still in the process of development.
c) Radiofrequency Exposure Assessments
AEC has conducted non ionizing radiation assessments around Telecommunication masts and base stations at nine hundred and twenty four (924) sites in one hundred and six (106) districts as of December 2024. The findings of the inspections indicated that Radiofrequency exposure levels were less than the maximum acceptable radiation level of 100% as per the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, 2020.

AEC Inspectors measuring RF radiation levels at Kasodo Primary School in Kasodo sub county, Pallisa district

AEC has also conducted assessments along High Voltage power transmission lines in order to determine the extent of the radiation exposure to non-ionizing radiation received by the staff and other people around the high voltage power transmission lines. The assessments have been carried out at thirty (30) locations in seven(07) districts as of December, 2024. The results from the areas assessed indicate that the maximum radiation levels were less that the recommended maximum safety limit of 200µT as described in the ICNIRP General Guidelines on Low Frequency, 2010.

AEC inspectors measuring ELF radiation levels at Villa Park opposite Arena Mall along Nsambya Road

6.0 CONCLUSION

Regulatory intervention on non-ionizing radiation is important for public assurance as well as ensuring the non-ionizing radiation emissions from artificial sources stay below the safe limits. The public is advised to comply with the guidance issued by authorities from time to time.