Radio spectrum pollution

Radio spectrum pollution is the straying of waves in the radio and electromagnetic spectrums outside their allocations that cause problems for some activities.^[1] It is of particular concern to radio astronomers.^[2]

Radio waves hazard symbol

Radio spectrum pollution is mitigated by effective spectrum management. Within the United States, the Communications Act of 1934 grants authority for spectrum management to the President for all federal use (47 U.S.C. 305).^[3] The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) manages the spectrum for the Federal Government. Its rules are found in the "NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management".^[4] The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) manages and regulates all domestic non-federal spectrum use (47 U.S.C. 301).^[5] Each country typically has its own spectrum regulatory organization. Internationally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates spectrum policy.^[6]

In the early days of radio, no frequency allocation was allocated. As a result, there was a delay in receiving the distress signal of the Titantic, and its public sinking prompted the Radio Act of 1912.^[7] There are various natural and artificial sources of radio pollution. Among the natural sources are lighting strikes, which produce VHF (very high frequency) emissions.^[8] Atmospheric gases also produce radio pollution, as well as there being cosmic radio pollution from sources such as the cosmic microwave background. Artificially, there are stray transmissions. Even if all sources are removed, the antenna itself still provides some interference.^[9]

See also

• Electromagnetic radiation and health
• Frequency allocation
• Radio quiet zone
• Spectrum management