This article and others in this series discuss common sources of exposure to electromagnetic fields and methods to reduce exposure, as well as mentioning some exposure standards.
We explain which electrical fields may be hazardous and which are not and we explain how to insepect & measure for and where possible remedy EMF hazards.
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EMF EXPOSURE - What do we know about workplace exposures to Electromagnetic Fields - EMFs?
EMFs are invisible lines of force created whenever electricity is generated or used. EMFs are producedby power lines, electric wiring, and electric equipment and appliances. Thefrequency of EMFs is measured in hertz (Hz, or cycles
per second).
People are exposed to both electric and magnetic fields, but scientists are most concerned about magnetic fields. This fact sheet deals only with magnetic fields that have frequencies near 60 Hz the frequency of electric
power in North America.
While this
NIOSH document is focused on the workplace it is of interest to home owners as well.
Everyone in our modern society is exposed to the electric
and magnetic fields (EMFs) that surround all electric
devices.
Recently, scientific studies have raised questions about the possible
health effects of EMFs. This fact sheet answers
frequently asked questions about EMFs in the
workplace.
You can use this information to help identify EMF sources at work and to take simple steps for reducing exposures. However, you cannot use this
information to judge the safety of your exposures, since the scientific
evidence does not yet show whether EMF exposures are hazardous. [This is a NIOSH document. ]
Also see EMF RF FIELD & FREQUENCY DEFINITIONS for a simple explanation of different types of radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic frequency (EMF) types and where they are found.
Workers may be exposed to high
magnetic fields if they work near electrical systems that use large amounts of
electric power (for example, large electric motors, generators, or the power
supply or electric cables of a building).
High magnetic fields are also found
near power saws, drills, copy machines, electric pencil sharpeners, and other
small electric appliances.
The strength of the magnetic field depends on equipment
design and current flow not on equipment size, complexity, or voltage. Though
some electric equipment produces EMFs of other
frequencies, most health research has considered only frequencies near 60 Hz.
[Click to enlarge any image]
These
electric heaters for metal parts expose workers to magnetic fields that are
10,000 times greater than the average magnetic fields found outside the
workplace.
ICNIRP Secretariat Issues Updated EMF Exposure Guidelines - March 2020
23 March 2020
New Radiofrequency EMF Guidelines Released by the ICNIRP
ICNIRP Secretariat
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has released new guidelines for the protection of humans exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs). These cover exposures from a range of technologies, including existing 3G/4G and the upcoming 5G mobile telecommunications technologies, as well as DAB radio, WiFi, Bluetooth, radar, and wireless power transfer devices.
This is the first revision of the guidelines since 1998. Since then there has been an extensive scientific research effort to identify and better quantify potential adverse health effects resulting from exposure to radiofrequency EMFs. This has enabled a thorough update of the guidelines, with the result a protection system that can deal effectively with both contemporary and future technologies.
There are important changes to both the structure and restrictions of the new ICNIRP (2020) guidelines. Regarding structure, greater transparency should make the logic and scientific basis of the guidelines easier for the health protection community to engage with, additional means of assessing compliance with the guidelines have been provided, and there is now greater specification of how to assess complicated exposure scenarios.
Under the topic of restrictions, a number of additions and changes were made to ensure that the guidelines are not only protective for current radiofrequency EMF exposure scenarios but will continue to be protective for future technological developments.
These include the addition of a restriction for exposure to the whole body for EMFs >6 GHz, to restrict body core temperature rise; the addition of a restriction for brief (less than six-minute) exposures to small regions of the body for EMFs >400 MHz, to restrict localised temperature rise; and the reduction of the maximum exposure permitted over a small region of the body for EMFs >6 GHz, again to restrict localised temperature rise.
The full guidelines are published in Health Physics ("Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields [100 kHz to 300 GHz]") and can be accessed at ICNIRP.org at
Additional detail concerning the differences between the ICNIRP (2020) and ICNIRP (1998) guidelines is available on the ICNIRP website.
- source: Health Physics Society,
Health Physics Society
950 Herndon Parkway, Suite 450
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: 703-790-1745
Email: hps@BurkInc.com
Website:
Health Physics Society
950 Herndon Parkway, Suite 450
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: 703-790-1745
Email: hps@BurkInc.com
Website: http://hps.org/ -
HPS Specialists in Radiation Protection, Current News, retrieved 2020-04-03 original source: http://hps.org/newsandevents/societynews.html#1614
TYPICAL EMF EXPOSURES - What are some typical Electromagnetic Fields - EMF exposures on the job?
The EMF exposures for many jobs
have not been measured, but the following table shows average exposures to
magnetic fields for typical workers who use electric equipment. Exposures
during a work shift vary with the strength of the magnetic field, the worker s
distance from the EMF source, and the time the worker spends in the field. For
comparison, the table also lists worker exposures off the job.
Average magnetic field exposures for various types of workers (in milligauss*
Average daily exposures
Type of worker Median** Range
Workers on the job:
Clerical workers without
computers 0.5 0.2 - 2.0
Clerical workers with
computers 1.2 0.5 - 4.5
Machinists 1.9 0.6 - 27.6
Electric line workers 2.5 0.5 - 34.8
Electricians 5.4 0.8 - 34.0
Welders 8.2 1.7 - 96.0
Workers off the job
(home, travel, etc.) 0.9 0.3 - 3.7
*Magnetic fields are often measured in gauss or milligauss (one thousandth of a gauss = 1 milligauss). **The median is the middle measurement: half the workers have average daily exposures above this point and half below.
EMF and CANCER? - Do Electromagnetic Fields - EMFs cause cancer or other health effects?
Studies have shown that some workers exposed to high magnetic fields have increased cancer rates. But such
associations do not necessarily show that EMF exposures cause cancer (any more
than the springtime association of robins and daffodils shows that one causes
the other). Scientists have looked carefully at all the EMF evidence, but they
disagree about the health effects of EMFs except to
say that better information is needed.
EMF EFFECTS - What DO studies show about the health effects of Electromagnetic Fields - EMFs in workers?
Many studies report small increases in the rate of leukemia or brain cancer in groups of people living or
working in high magnetic fields. Other studies have found no such increases.
The most important data come from six recent studies of workers wearing EMF
monitors to measure magnetic fields. All but one study found significantly
higher cancer rates for men with average workday exposures above 4
milligauss.
However, the results of these studies disagree
in important ways such as the type of cancer associated with EMF exposures. So
scientists cannot be sure whether the increased risks are caused by
EMFs or by other factors.
A few preliminary studies have
also associated workplace EMFs with breast cancer,
and one study has reported a possible link between occupational EMF exposure
and Alzheimer s disease.
The data from all of these studies are too limited
for scientists to draw conclusions. However, a national research effort is
under way, and more study results are expected in a few years.
No increased leukemia has been
reported overall in studies of welders, yet they are among the occupations with
the highest EMF exposures.
EMF EXPOSURE LIMITS - Have limits been set for worker exposures to Electromagnetic Fields - EMFs ?
Because of the scientific uncertainty, no Federal limits for worker exposures to EMFs
have been recommended or established in the United States.
Two private
organizations have developed guidelines to protect workers from the known
effects of extremely high exposures (that is, those more than 1,000 times the
exposures typically found in occupational environments). However, these
guidelines do not address the possible health effects of the low EMF exposures
usually found on the job.
Current EMF Electromagnetic Field Exposure Limit Recommendations
Many consumer and industrial products and applications make use of some form of
electromagnetic energy. One type of electromagnetic energy that is of increasing importance
worldwide is radiofrequency (or "RF") energy, including radio waves and microwaves, which
is used for providing telecommunications, broadcast and other services.
In the United States
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizes or licenses most RF
telecommunications services, facilities, and devices used by the public, industry and state and
local governmental organizations. Because of its regulatory responsibilities in this area the
FCC often receives inquiries concerning whether there are potential safety hazards due to
human exposure to RF energy emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters.
Heightened awareness
of the expanding use of RF technology has led some people to speculate that "electromagnetic
pollution" is causing significant risks to human health from environmental RF electromagnetic
fields.
This document is designed to provide factual information and to answer some of the
most commonly asked questions related to this topic."
U.S. CDC, EMF ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS [PDF] cites NIOSH research and includes links to documents including a Manual for Measuring Occupational Electric and Magnetic Field Eposures and other helpful guides. Retrieved 29 Jan 2015, original source: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emf/ Included in this document's citations are
"ELF Electromagnetic Fields and the Risk of Cancer" by the Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation of the National Radiological Protection BoardExternal Web Site Icon (now called the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency) NRPB Documents Volume 12, No. 1 (2001)
This British risk evaluation reviews the evidence on cancer risks from residential and occupational ELF-EMF exposures and makes recommendations on policy and further research.
The Board of the NRPB issued a ResponseExternal Web Site Icon on its implications for future research and EMF exposure limits.
NON-IONIZING RADIATION, PART I: STATIC AND EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS [PDF large document 445 pages - Ed.]
Monograph by the International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC Monographs, Volume 80 (2002) IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization WHO, This risk assessment is part of a highly-respected international program to evaluate all carcinogens. The complete monograph is available as a PDF file. [the CDC link is broken but we provide the PDF in the link just aboe - Ed.]
NON-IONIZING RADIATION, PART 2: RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (vol 102), (Lyon France, 2013) [PDF480 pp], IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization WHO, retrieved 29 Jan 2015,original source https://publications.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol102/mono102.pdf
Evaluation of the Possible Risks from Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) from Power Lines, Internal Wiring, Electrical Occupations and AppliancesExternal Web Site Icon (Report from the California EMF Program (2002)
This report by the California Department of Health Services evaluates the evidence for the risks of all diseases from exposures to residential and occupation ELF-EMF, concentrating on more recent studies.
It uses a new method of risk assessment, based on the Bayesian philosophy of science.
Public comments and criticisms of this report are posted on the same website. The California EMF Program also published Policy Options in the Face of Possible Risk from Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Adobe PDF file [PDF - 76 KB]
External Web Site Icon which analyzes possible government actions under different regulatory philosophies, including a cost-benefit analysis for power line modifications.
Extremely Low Frequency Fields - Environmental Health Criteria 238 Monograph from the World Health Organization (2007)External Web Site Icon
This comprehensive monograph reviews all aspects of ELF-EMF health risks, research and hazard management. It also makes recommendations for occupational health policy, including precautionary measures to deal with the possible cancer risks.
NIOSH Fact Sheet: EMFs in the Workplace NIOSH Publication No. 96-129 (1996)
EMF Questions and Answers: Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electric Power Adobe PDF file External Web Site Icon
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences publication (2002)
This NIEHS booklet written with input from NIOSH provides in-depth information about ELF-EMF exposures in homes, workplaces, and transportation.
It also describes what researchers have learned about the health effects of EMFs and identifies some methods for managing exposures.
MAGNETIC FIELD SAFETY GUIDE [PDF], Cornell University Environmental Health Safety Standard Operating Guideline, MFS-1 V4, retrieved 29 Jan 2015 original source: http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/file/Magnetic_Field_Safety_Program_Cryo_Guide_v4.pdf This is a detailed and helpful guide with some suggsted EMF exposure limits is provided by Cornell University.
Should workers and employers try to reduce exposures to Electromagnetic Fields - EMFs?
The National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other government agencies do not
consider EMFs a proven health hazard.
Because some
studies have associated high magnetic field exposures with increased cancer
risks, the government will continue studying EMFs.
While research continues, concerned workers and employers might consider the
following simple, inexpensive measures for reducing EMF exposures:
Inform workers and
employers about possible hazards of magnetic fields.
Increase the
worker's distance from the EMF source. Since magnetic fields often
drop off dramatically within about 3 feet of the source, workers can
stand back from electrical equipment, and work stations can be moved
out of the 3-ft range of stronger EMF sources.
Use low-EMF
designs wherever possible (for the layout of office power supplies,
for example).
Reduce EMF
exposure times. No action should be taken to reduce EMF exposure if
it increases the risk of a known safety or health hazard such as
electrocution.
EMF exposures depend on the worker's distance from the source.
What is NIOSH doing about Electromagnetic Fields - EMF exposures?
NIOSH has been evaluating the
possible health effects of EMFs since 1991. NIOSH
scientists have measured the fields in workplaces where employees are concerned
about their EMF exposures; they are also studying the biological effects of EMFs. In addition, NIOSH scientists work cooperatively with
researchers in universities and other Federal agencies to share their study
results.
These cooperative efforts have increased recently under the National
EMF Research and Public Information Dissemination (RAPID) program.
How to obtain printed copies of the NIOSH Electromagnetic Fields Fact Sheet.
"NIOSH Fact Sheet: EMFs in the Workplace," DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.
96-129, is available from:
NIOSH Publications Dissemination,
[CDC Website http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs.html ] 4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226-1998 USA Tel: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) Fax: (513) 533-8573
...
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
"Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers [ copy on file as /emf/EMF_Fact_Sheet_NCI_NIH.pdf ] - ," National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, web search September 2010, original source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields
makes these five key points about EMF
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround any electrical device. EMFs are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances (see Question 1).
Electric fields are easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects, whereas magnetic fields are not. Since magnetic fields are more likely to penetrate the body, they are the component of EMFs that are usually studied in relation to cancer (see Question 1).
Overall, there is limited evidence that magnetic fields cause childhood leukemia, and there is inadequate evidence that these magnetic fields cause other cancers in children (see Question 2).
Studies of magnetic field exposure from power lines and electric blankets in adults show little evidence of an association with leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer (see Question 3).
Past studies of occupational magnetic field exposure in adults showed very small increases in leukemia and brain tumors. However, more recent, well-conducted studies have shown inconsistent associations with leukemia, brain tumors, and breast cancer (see Question 4).
"Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers [ copy on file as /emf/EMF_Fact_Sheet_NCI_NIH.pdf ] - ," National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health, web search September 2010, original source: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/magnetic-fields makes these five key points about EMF
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are areas of energy that surround any electrical device. EMFs are produced by power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances (see Question 1).
Electric fields are easily shielded or weakened by walls and other objects, whereas magnetic fields are not. Since magnetic fields are more likely to penetrate the body, they are the component of EMFs that are usually studied in relation to cancer (see Question 1).
Overall, there is limited evidence that magnetic fields cause childhood leukemia, and there is inadequate evidence that these magnetic fields cause other cancers in children (see Question 2).
Studies of magnetic field exposure from power lines and electric blankets in adults show little evidence of an association with leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer (see Question 3).
Past studies of occupational magnetic field exposure in adults showed very small increases in leukemia and brain tumors. However, more recent, well-conducted studies have shown inconsistent associations with leukemia, brain tumors, and breast cancer (see Question 4).
Consumer Product Safety Commission, 800-638-CPSC.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticides
and Toxic Substances, TSCA Assistance Office (TS-799), 800-424-9065
or 202-554-1404.
"Evaluation of Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields,"
EPA Report #EPA/600/6-90/005B October 1990. EPA: 513/569-7562.
"Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields"
background paper, prepared as part of OTA's assessment of "Electric Power
Wheeling and Dealing: Technological Considerations for Increasing Competition,"
prepared for OTA by Indira Nair, M. Granger Morgan, H. Keith Florig, Department
of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
15213
"Biological Effects of Power Line Fields," New York State Powerline
Project. Scientific Advisory Board Final Report, July 1, 1987.
"Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Fields," Environmental Health
Criteria 35. World Health Organization, Geneva, 1984.
"Electric and Magnetic Fields at Extremely Low Frequencies:
Interactions with Biological Systems. In: Non ionizing Radiation Protection,
World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, 1987.
"Electric and Magnetic Fields from 60 Hertz Electric Power: What do
we know about possible health risks?," Department of Engineering and Public
Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 1989.
"Electromagnetic Fields Are Being Scrutinized for Linkage to
Cancer," Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, Medical Science section, April
2, 1991
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