Geospatial Assessment of Telecommunication Mast Proximity and Its Perceived Health Effects in Abeokuta South LGA ATTAH, T .O, ABUBAKAR, S.A Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State Nigeria. Corresponding author email: [email protected] Whatsapp Phone Number: 07060749120 ABSTRACT The rapid growth of telecommunications infrastructure has led to the widespread installation of telecommunication masts, significantly improving mobile network coverage and connectivity. However, there are public concerns about the potential health risks associated with living near these telecommunication infrastructures. Many studies have linked proximity to telecommunication masts with health issues such as headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. In this study, the perceived health effects of telecommunication masts in Abeokuta South Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria, were assessed, focusing on the relationship between mast proximity and residents' perceived health effect. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach combining geospatial analysis and a social survey. Geospatial data were collected using handheld GPS devices to map telecommunication mast locations. A survey was administered to 294 residents living at varying distances (5m, 10m, and 15m) from telecommunication masts, focusing health effect such as headaches, dizziness, and sleep disorder etc, often associated with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. Geospatial analysis were performed of location of telecommunication mast to identify the geospatial distribution of the telecommunication masts and Statistical analyses; one-sample t-tests and ANOVA, were performed to examine the relationship between proximity and perceived health effects. The geospatial analysis revealed an uneven distribution of telecommunication masts, with concentrations in specific areas such as Sapon, Isabo, Kuta, and Panseke. The results from statistical analysis indicated that residents living within 5 meters of the masts reported the highest frequency of perceived health effects, including headaches and noise/vibrations. However, further statistical analysis examining the differences of perceived health effect across 5, 10 and 15metre proximity to telecommunication masts showed no significant variation in perceived health effects across the three proximity distances. This suggests that while residents living closer to the masts may report more frequent symptoms, the differences are not statistically significant. These study findings revealed there is disconnect between public perception and scientific findings regarding the health effects of telecommunication masts. Despite scientific evidence indicating no significant health risks at distances of 10 meters or more, residents within these ranges continue to express concerns about their safety. The findings underscore the need for better public engagement and communication regarding the safety standards of telecommunication infrastructure. Keywords: Telecommunication Masts, Proximity, Perceived Health Effects, Geospatial Analysis, Public Perception.
ATTAH T.O, ABUBAKAR S.A