title: Exposure of physiotherapists to microwave radiation during microwave diathermy treatment.
abstract: Power density was measured during several microwave diathermy treatment sessions in order to determine levels to which the physiotherapist might be exposed during normal practice. Measurements were made at a distance of 30 cm from the patient. In half the cases investigated readings were less than 10 mW cm-2, the maximum permissible level for continuous exposure during an 8-hour working day. In the other cases levels exceeded 10 mW cm-2 at some sites. The results indicate that physiotherapists are unlikely to be exposed to radiation levels which would be considered harmful, provided reasonable care is taken.
mesh_terms: D003972:Diathermy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011834:Radiation Monitoring