Being a responsible telecommunications company, Croatian Telecom supports and encourages extensive and detailed scientific research and keeps track of the research activities of many organizations, independent groups, professional teams and scientists on the effects of electromagnetic fields.
Over the last years, recognized professional organizations such as the UN WHO and ICNIRP have on multiple occasions reviewed the current thresholds for mobile communications,on the basis of current scientific knowledge and confirmed that, if these values are respected, the use of mobile technology is safe.
Several studies on electromagnetic fields have been published in Croatia, with measurements and research conducted by relevant independent institutions and organizations. At the initiative of HT, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing in Zagreb produced in 2002 and 2005 two studies on electromagnetic fields influence of HT's base stations.
For study “Measurement and Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Effects of the CRONET GSM 900 System on Human Health" from 2002, theoretical research and measurements in the field in the immediate vicinity of base station antennas were performed. Measurements were made at 12 representative locations of Cronet GSM900 base stations with a total of 66 measuring points covering rural and urban areas. The performed measurements showed that the electromagnetic radiation values of Cronet GSM900 base stations were substantially below the levels prescribed by Croatian Regulations. Let us quote from the Study: “Measurement results at all 66 carefully selected measuring points undoubtedly showed that all twelve Cronet GSM900 base stations with the Kathrein antenna system emit electromagnetic fields the levels of which are substantially below the maximum permitted values for electromagnetic fields with regard to public exposure according to the currently valid standards. Also, it has been established that collocated base stations of the GSM and UMTS systems meet the conditions for simultaneous operation of several electromagnetic field sources at various frequencies.”
”Study on the Significance of Used Sources with Regard to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted“ from 2005 was based on results of measurements conducted in the vicinity of our HT’s mobile network’s base stations by acredited measuring laboratories authorized by the Ministry of Health. Extensive analysis of the measurements leads to the final conclusion that all base stations of the GSM and UMTS systems from measuring sample comply with all regulations pertaining to protection from electromagnetic fields applicable in the Republic of Croatia. Furthermore, in the vast majority of measuring points, the measured electric field and energy density levels are substantially lower than the set limitations. In 99.28% of GSM measuring points and 100% of UMTS measuring points, the measured energy density level is even lower than 10% of the prescribed limitation. Fully meeting the reference levels legal limitations in Croatia, with measured values that are in more than 99% of cases even below 10% of the limiting value, HT's GSM and UMTS base stations fulfil all the requirements from legal regulations related to protection people from electromagnetic fields that are in force in the Republic of Croatia.
Every year, over a thousand independent electromagnetic fields measurements in the vicinity of HT’s mobile networks base stations is being carried out throughout Croatia, and the results are being submitted to the Ministry of Health. It is important to point out that all base stations in HT’s mobile networks have approval for usage issued by the Ministry of Health. These electromagnetic fields measurements are being conducted continuously for many years, and all the results so far show that the measured values are far below the prescribed limit levels. As the Croatian Ordinance on Protection from Electromagnetic Fields prescribes considerably stricter limits than the EU Recommendation, and the measurements results show very low electromagnetic fields levels, it confirms that the suroundings of HT's base stations is safe for the entire population.
Should you have an inquiry about electromagnetic emissions, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at zastita.okolisa@t.ht.hr.