Abstract
This study was on social analysis of homes near power line/mast: possible effect on residents. Three objectives were raised which included: To determine the health effect of living close to the telecommunication masts, to determine the effect of the radioactive emission from telecommunication masts, to determine the perception on the effect of masts on residential property, to determine the distance of the properties from telecommunication masts and to determine health hazards associated with telecommunication masts. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Osun state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
1.1Background of the study
The increasing need for functional telecommunication networks to service the desires and need of the teeming users for effective communication and the use of mobile phones has increased dramatically over the last decade. The launch of Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications in Nigeria in 2001 heralded a dawn of relieve to teeming Nigerians.
Today services like mobile TV, electronic payments, mobile tracking services, cheaper international calls, internet banking, and mobile banking etc. occasioned by mobile telecommunication are commonplace in the country. GSM has become a vital and an indispensable tool of transmitting or exchanging information for a modern man (Bello, 2010).
Wireless digital telecommunications, the internet and information communication technology have revolutionized the world and the impact of information technology (IT) has been felt in all economic and social activities in every conceivable manner. The convergence of all forms of communications on the digital playfield is opening up immense new possibilities of achieving speed, versatility, and space-time independence. The use and deployment of cellular phones and other wireless communication facilities around the world is phenomena, it has not only reduced the world into a global village but more importantly into a global household. What was once solely a business tool; wireless phones are now a mass market consumer device contributing positively, to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of various countries and providing job opportunities to millions of youths, professionals and even petty traders (Otubu, 2012).
GSM base stations and cellular telephone masts form part of the infrastructure required for an effective communication system. In order to have optimal network coverage, most base stations locate in close proximity to the target users; this is the reason telecom operators also site their masts in residential neighborhoods. The base stations transfer signals between mobile telephones and a network for mobile or normal telephony by means of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The increasing number of people being exposed to the electromagnetic fields used for the data transfer between mobile telephones and base stations and the possible negative effect on health has been a thing of concern to many people including researchers. Many studies have linked certain health condition to hazard of exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Although studying effects of electromagnetic field on health have been discouraged by authoritative bodies like WHO (2006) International EMF Project and COST 281(Kundi and Hutter, 2009), available literature have not totally allayed the fear attributed to the perceived danger associated with living close to the station. The choice of where to reside as tenant is premised on many criteria, which could be internal or external to the rented apartment. The importance attached to the choice eventually made determine what they will be willing to pay as rent.
Osun state is one of the state currently experiencing a high pace of urbanisation compared to other emerging cities in Nigeria (Tofowomo, 2008) and there is increasing need to service the populace with tele-communication infrastructure. This has led to proliferation of many telecommunication base stations around the city. In spite of many perceived health-related problems claimed to be associated with electromagnetic emissions from telecommunication base stations, the proximity of the stations do not appear to influence decision of many individuals on where to reside.
Statement of the problem
The establishment of more telecommunications infrastructure such as masts and base stations has raised some environmental concerns, especially in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment. It has become a part of the environment to see tall masts in different locations around the country. These masts though helpful, are believed to have negative health effects on people living near where they are erected. It is argued that telecom towers interfere with aircrafts approaching landing and feared that towers could fall on people and property. The erection of masts clustered in built-up areas are thus said to be hazardous.
To this effect, this study seeks to explain further and identify some other problems affecting resident living close to telecommunication masts. Also building on earlier research projects and study, this study sets to deepen our understanding and expose us to more facts in terms of health effect of people living close to telecommunication masts.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study is to empirically investigate the perception of resident living close to telecommunication masts.
The specific objectives are;
- To determine the health effect of living close to the telecommunication masts
- To determine the effect of the radioactive emission from telecommunication masts.
- To determine the perception on the effect of masts on residential property.
- To determine the distance of the properties from telecommunication masts.
- To determine health hazards associated with telecommunication masts.
Research hypotheses
The following research hypotheses are formulated;
H1: there is no health effect of living close to the telecommunication masts
H2: there is no effect of the radioactive emission from telecommunication masts
Significance of the study
The study will give a clear insight on the social analysis of home near power line/masts: possible effects on residents. The study will be beneficial to students, residents and policy makers. The study will also serve as a reference to other researcher that will embark on the related topic
Scope of the study The scope of the study covers social analysis of home near power line/masts: possible effects on residents. It will be limited to people of Osun state
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF HOMES NEAR POWER LINE/MAST: POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON RESIDENTS
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