IMPACT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC EXPOSURE ON LIVING BEINGS. All mobile phone towers emit microwave radiations, which is in the radio frequency radiation (RFR), part of the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. Radio frequency radiation is a source of thermal energy and in adequate doses, has all the known effects of heating on biological systems. Steps must be taken to control the installations of mobile phone towers by imposing restrictions. Installation of towers should be regulated near thickly populated areas, educational institutions, hospitals etc. Sharing of towers by different companies should be encouraged, if not mandated. To prevent overlapping high radiations fields, new towers should not be permitted within a radius of one kilometer of existing towers. More must also be done to compensate individuals and communities put at risk. Insurance covering diseases related to towers, such as cancer, should be provided for free to people living in 1 km radius around the tower. Independent monitoring of radiation levels and overall health of the community and nature surrounding towers is necessary to identify hazards early.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, S.N.COLLEGE, KOLLAM, KERALA, INDIA. HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF KERALA ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHERS ASSOCIATION (KERA). IN 2008, NASA AND IAU(INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION) HAVE BEEN NAMED A MINOR PLANET AFTER HIS NAME (5178 PATTAZHY PLANET). ALSO, HIS NAME HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE WORLD CATEGORY SCIENTISTS LIST IN 2009.