[Optimization of methods for measurement and assessment of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in physiotherapy (SW diathermy)].
BACKGROUND
Physiotherapists commonly use high-frequency (HF) electromagnetic field (EMF) units for therapeutic heating, whereas they are a source of strong EM fields. High EMF intensity values in places, where physiotherapists perform their occupational duties, require frequent measurements and their exposure must be monitored. Such procedures are obligatory and expensive, but they do not improve working conditions of physiotherapists. The aim of the study was to update the knowledge of actual exposure of physiotherapists to EMF and optimize methodical and decisive procedures.


METHODS
EMF strength was measured in close proximity of twenty diathermy (SW) units, and in places usually occupied by physiotherapists. Modern digital-readout equipment was used for the measurements. It allowed us to identify the resultant EMF spectrum and to manage the measurement results. Values of the induced current, I(L), in the limbs of 16 physiotherapists were measured.


RESULTS
The highest values of EMF strengths were measured for the whole body of the physiotherapist at the console, to 200 V/m and 0.20 A/m, and at the electrodes, to 180 V/m and 0.40 A/m. During intervention procedures, the physiotherapist's hands were exposed to 900 V/m and 2.0 A/m EMF. The maximum value of the exposure W indicator for routine operations was as high as 0.32, and for intervention procedures as high as 1.67. The maximum intensities of induced currents measured in the physioterapist's upper limbs during intervention procedures were up to 120 mA, depending on individual person.


CONCLUSIONS
The results have confirmed the high EMF strength values occurring in the real conditions of the work environment of physiotherapists performing routine procedures. High intensity values of currents induced in the limbs of the physiotherapist performing intervention procedures represent a real threat in 25% of cases. The existing obligatory annual monitoring procedures are expensive and completely fail to offer any protection against EMF. The authors of this paper propose to implement a two-stage (obligatory and facultative) monitoring and measurement system.
Zakład Ochrony Radiologicznej, Instytut Medycyny Pracy, im. prof. I. Nofera, Łódź. h_aniol@imp.lodz.pl
Halina
H
Aniołczyk
Magda
M
Mariańska
Paweł
P
Mamrot
D000328:Adult; D003972:Diathermy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016272:Occupational Health; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*