title: [Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007).
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen 518001, China.
authors.forename: Jia-xi
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Hai-li
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: Guang-tao
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011840:Radiation, Nonionizing / Q000009:adverse effects*