title: [Measurement and assessment of electromagnetic fields near radiophones in line with provisions of European Directive 2013/35/EU and Polish labour law].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The activities of rescue and uniformed services require the use of wireless communication devices, such as portable radiophones. Assessment of workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by radiophones is important in view of occupational safety and health (OSH), legislation requirements and reports on possible adverse health effects in users of devices emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic field.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study 50 portable radiophones of conventional and trunked communication systems were investigated. The assessment of electromagnetic hazards to users involved unperturbed electromagnetic field measurements near radiophones' antennas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The electric field strength corresponding to the occupational exposure level (fields of so-called safety zones established by OSH legislation in Poland) was measured at a distance of 45-65 cm from the portable radiophones antennas of conventional system and 75-95 cm from antennas of trunked system radiophones, depending on their type and mode of work. The assessment was based on the averaged results of series of measurements. The electric field strength exceeding action levels defined by Directive 2013/35/EU was found up to 15 cm from radiophone antennas of conventional system and up to 10 cm from the antennas of trunked system radiophones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taking into account the range of safety zones and the use of portable radiophones near the body, their users should be classified into the group of workers occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic field measurement results and typical conditions of using portable radiophones justify the need for additional assessment of electromagnetic hazards--the analysis of compliance with relevant exposure limit values provided by Directive 2013/35/EU.
authors: Pracownia Zagrozeń Elektromagnetycznych, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Warszawa, Poland. krgry@ciop.pl
authors: Krzysztof
authors: K
authors: Gryz
authors: Pracownia Zagrozeń Elektromagnetycznych, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Warszawa, Poland.
authors: Patryk
authors: P
authors: Zradziński
authors: Pracownia Zagrozeń Elektromagnetycznych, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Warszawa, Poland.
authors: Jolanta
authors: J
authors: Karpowicz
authors: Pracownia Zagrozeń Elektromagnetycznych, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Warszawa, Poland.
authors: Wiesław
authors: W
authors: Leszko
mesh_terms: D040421:Cell Phone; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011044:Poland; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*