26 June 2025
The Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) of Senegal has announced the completion of a key milestone in its efforts to oversee public exposure to electromagnetic waves.
ARTP’s Director General, Dahirou Thiam, has inaugerated the National Centre for Non-Ionizing Radiation Monitoring (CNSRI) during the 11th edition of the SENPHARMA trade show, which focuses on innovation and regulation within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Thiam highlighted that the CNSRI is designed to serve as a crucial tool for monitoring, analysing, and responding to environmental risks associated with electromagnetic waves. The centre represents a significant strategic advancement in Senegal’s digital regulation framework, enabling more rigorous oversight of technological installations and ensuring public health safety.
In addition to establishing the CNSRI, ARTP has invested in specialised technical equipment. A partnership agreement signed with Senegal’s Ministry of Health in January 2023 aims to regulate the use of communication waves to protect public health. This collaboration allows for closer supervision of infrastructure such as relay antennas and pylons, addressing growing public concerns about radiation exposure.
Senegal’s regulatory framework underpins these initiatives. Article 148 of the Electronic Communications Code mandates operators to adhere to strict limits on electromagnetic field exposure, with the regulator responsible for enforcement. Furthermore, a 2018 regulation sets specific thresholds for non-ionising radiation (NIR) exposure and establishes national values for the specific absorption rate (SAR).
These measures are particularly pertinent given the rapid deployment of digital infrastructure, notably 5G technology, which has raised questions about long-term health effects related to radiation. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) warns that exceeding established thresholds can lead to increased body temperature and potential adverse health outcomes.
In 2022, Senegal conducted a nationwide campaign to measure electromagnetic field exposure across its 46 departments. Results indicated that levels generally remained below regulatory limits, with a national average of 0.73 V/m. However, some measurement points near visible base stations recorded peaks exceeding 6 V/m. Despite ongoing infrastructure deployment, no recent updates on these measurements have been released.
