Evaluating the Effect of Electromagnetic Field from Electrical Distribution Substations in Aguata, Nigeria

This study evaluates the radiation safety implications of electromagnetic field (EMF) from electrical distribution sub-stations in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria, using the EMF meter with a laser distance meter in-situ. Ten (10) locations of 11KV distribution sub-stations were mapped out and used for the study. The results of the in-situ measurement of Electric Field (E) and Magnetic Field (H) were used to evaluate the Power Density (S), Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Statistical analysis which includes descriptive statistics, inferential statistical tests (T-test) and graphical analysis to evaluate significant differences of EMF levels between different locations. The EMF emitted by these distribution substations was examined using data from the various locations. The results obtained show that EEDC Office has the highest electric field of 0.6633 V/m, while Oko Road has the second highest of 0.7783 V/m. The magnetic field intensity varies across locations, with Oko Road having the largest of 1.3317 A/m. Power density varied, with Oko Road having the highest 1.0365 W/m2 and Stadium having the lowest 0.1011 W/m2. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) ranging from 0.0001 to 0.0005 W/Kg showed consistent rates across locations. The International Commission on Non-Protection of Electromagnetic Fields (ICNIRP) sets EMF exposure regulations from 0-300 GHz at the exposure values of, E = 10,000V/m, H = 4×104 A/m, S = 50W/m2, SAR = 10W/kg. In this study, electric field, magnetic field, power density, and specific absorption rate (SAR) values varied widely between stations, with the magnetic field accounting for 45.25% of total electromagnetic exposure. The exposure to EMF emanating from distribution substations in Aguata LGA does not pose any health effect or any health hazards to the general public comparing the measured data with the standard guideline of ICNIRP.