Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) Exposure Map Development Using GIS for Gong Badak, Terengganu, Malaysia

¹ School of Fundamental Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
² Pusat Islam Sultan Mahmud, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
³ East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, 21300, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Public Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) exposure should be monitored by the government since it has proven harmful for human. Even though some studies reported that low frequency spectrum is safe, the other says that long and repetitive exposure may affect health. Thus, this study is conducted to measure the ambient NIR exposure value in the selected Terengganu area, Malaysia. The values were then used to develop a spatial model of exposure to see the radiation exposure pattern. From the findings, we found that the value was higher nearby base stations which are normally erected around residential area where the telecommunication network user is high. Thus, this study is crucial to determine the level of exposure for future plan. This findings can be used by the government to control the radio-frequency transmission and active spectrum service provider in order to limit the radiation exposure for public health concern.