Sustainable cities versus radio base stations (RBS) installation: setback of Porto Alegre/Brazil public policy

Resumo

In Porto Alegre/Brazil, the Municipal Law nº 8.896/2002, which set limits of exposure to non-ionizing radiation more protective than the levels established by the Federal Law, became a reference to other municipalities in the creation of RBS public policies, in line with the precautionary principle. In this scenario, an exploratory and descriptive research of qualitative nature was performed choosing as case study the municipal law of RBS in Porto Alegre, from the perspective of Sustainable Development. The results showed that the Municipal Law nº 8.896/2002 can be considered an innovative regulatory mark for Sustainability Development. Nevertheless, there was a flexiblization of legislation, which occurred in 2014, especially in the aspect of health. In addition, there was a repeal of Law nº 8.896/2002 at the end of 2018, resulting in an environmental setback in the political discussion about the possible adverse effects caused by electromagnetic pollution in the cities.