Estimation of EMF Parameters From Distrbution Transformers and Their Impacts on Selected Health Indicators of Building Residents: Case Study of Ejigbo Environs, Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract This research work is directed at studying the consequences of exposing industrial building inhabitants to electromagnetic radiation from distribution transformers. The study considered 310 participants with 124 men and 186 women, with age range between 5 and 70 years old. This research was carried out in ten industrial buildings in Isolo, Lagos State. Measurement of health parameters were taken before and after participants were exposed to electromagnetic radiations. The health parameters considered are: Ear temperature, blood oxygen saturation, heart pulse rate, arterial blood pressure (diastolic and systolic), echocardiography, complete blood count and colonoscopy. Radiation tests were conducted on the people thrice (9:30 – 10:30) a.m. and (3:30 – 4:30) p.m. before and after exposure to radiation. These measurements were recorded inside the buildings considered. The radiation parameters considered are: Power density, electric flux density, electric field, magnetic field strength and magnetic flux density. Housessories limited recorded the highest power flux density (0.89 μW/m2) while Top highflyer secondary school the lowest (0.368 μW/m2). The high magnitude obtained for Housessories is due to the fact that it was located just 8m from the transformer while the Top highflyer secondary school was located at a distance of 140m from the considered transformer. The results also indicate that the estimated values of power flux density were within minor risk limit 0.1 μW/m2- 10 μW/m2. The effect of electromagnetic radiation on participant’s health resulted in increased ear temperature, heart pulse rate, arterial blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) while blood oxygen saturation and echocardiography were decreased. Complete blood count and colonoscopy produced no reactions. The female employees compared to their male counterparts experienced more health hazards.