Inventory of MRI applications and workers exposed to MRI-related electromagnetic fields in the Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to characterise and quantify the population that is occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and to identify factors that determine the probability and type of exposure.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey was used to collect information about scanners, procedures, historical developments and employees working with or near MRI scanners in clinical and research MRI departments in the Netherlands.


RESULTS
Data were obtained from 145 MRI departments. A rapid increase in the use of MRI and field strength of the scanners was observed and quantified. The strongest magnets were employed by academic hospitals and research departments. Approximately 7000 individuals were reported to be working inside an MRI scanner room and were thus considered to have high probability of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF). Fifty-four per cent was exposed to SMF at least one day per month. The largest occupationally exposed group were radiographers (n ~ 1700). Nine per cent of the 7000 involved workers were regularly present inside a scanner room during image acquisition, when exposure to additional types of EMF is considered a possibility. This practice was most prevalent among workers involved in scanning animals.


CONCLUSIONS
The data illustrate recent trends and historical developments in magnetic resonance imaging and provide an extensive characterisation of the occupationally exposed population. A considerable number of workers are potentially exposed to MRI-related EMF. Type and frequency of potential exposure depend on the job performed, as well as the type of workplace.
Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Kristel
K
Schaap
Yvette
Y
Christopher-De Vries
Pauline
P
Slottje
Hans
H
Kromhout
D001822:Body Burden; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008503:Medical Staff / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009426:Netherlands; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
Electromagnetic fields (EMF); Exposure assessment; MR safety; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Occupational exposure