Prof. Dr. Osman Çerezci noted that electromagnetic pollution, increasing with technological advancements, can affect all living things, and that the factor of electromagnetic radiation should be added alongside factors like heat and insulation when constructing buildings.
Making a statement to an AA reporter regarding the effects of electromagnetic pollution, Prof. Dr. Çerezci, Dean of Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, emphasized that this type of pollution is accepted as environmental pollution in scientific literature.
Stating that many communication tools and devices used in homes operate with electricity, and that energy consumption increases as technology advances, Çerezci reported that all operating devices emit a type of light called electromagnetic radiation into the environment.
Underlining that the World Health Organization declared electromagnetic pollution as carcinogenic in 2001, Çerezci said about the health problems that individuals excessively exposed to electromagnetic radiation might experience, "It is now very clearly seen that it causes certain effects, especially brain disorders, nervousness, and restlessness."
Çerezci stated that there are studies indicating that not only humans but also animals are affected by electromagnetic pollution, and a study found a decrease in the productivity of honeybees exposed to electromagnetic pollution.
Çerezci warned that the level of electromagnetic pollution, especially in metropolitan areas, is higher compared to other cities, and that electromagnetic pollution in Istanbul varies between 3.5 and 4.2 V/m (Volt per meter), with this level showing an increasing trend.
Explaining that they conducted electromagnetic pollution measurement studies in homes with Ataşehir, Maltepe, and Kadıköy municipalities, Çerezci shared the information that the measured electromagnetic radiation level was 3.14 V/m in Kadıköy, 3.42 V/m in Ataşehir, and 3.71 V/m in Maltepe.
Çerezci said, "The limit is constantly being changed in our country. The base station part is managed by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, and efforts are being made to reduce the limits as much as possible in our country. There are several tiered limits. The first limit is 9.15 volts/meter. The values of 3-4 that we mentioned earlier are below this limit."
Noting that individuals living near high-voltage power lines or a transformer that might cause concern should definitely have their exposure to electromagnetic pollution measured, Çerezci reminded that these measurements can be done upon individual requests.
Çerezci, recommending that electrical devices should definitely be kept turned off when not in use to avoid exposure to electromagnetic radiation, listed the individual measures that can be taken as follows:
"When buildings are constructed, the electromagnetic radiation factor should be added alongside factors such as heat and insulation, and electromagnetic pollution should be considered as a settlement parameter. In our homes, we need to pay attention to room arrangement, the environment in the room, and how items are placed. For example, a child's bed should not be placed near outlets, nor should it be used as a bedside. If a microwave is operating, one should stand at a certain distance in front of it and not wait in front of it while it's working. By taking such precautions, we can reduce electromagnetic radiation exposure to a minimum level."
Emphasizing the importance of keeping mobile phones off or at a distance from the bedside during sleep to maintain sleep quality, Çerezci commented, "When we sleep, our body physically appears to be resting, but our body interacts with this electromagnetic field pollution, so we cannot say that our brain is resting. When we wake up, we are tired, and our chances of starting the day healthily are very low."
Also discussing the possible impact of 5G technology, which aims to provide faster and more practical service for wireless network connections and many applications, on electromagnetic pollution, Çerezci concluded his words as follows:
"In 2000-2001, when base stations first emerged, the level of electromagnetic radiation around us was around 0.1 volts per meter. That is, it wasn't even 1 unit. The more base stations spread in cities, the more electromagnetic pollution increases. When 5G comes into play, more frequently installed base stations will be around us, this is a fact, and it's possible to predict that this value could double."
