title: Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field from Convective Air Warming System on Temperature Selection and Distance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypothermia generates potentially severe complications in operating or recovery room. Forced air warmer is effective to maintain body temperature. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is harmful to human body and mainly produced by electronic equipment including convective air warming system. We investigated ELF-EMF from convective air warming device on various temperature selection and distance for guideline to protect medical personnel and patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The intensity of ELF-EMF was measured as two-second interval for five minutes on various distance (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1meter) and temperature selection (high, medium, low and ambient). All of electrical devices were off including lamp, computer and air conditioner. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. P<0.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean values of ELF-EMF on the distance of 30 cm were 18.63, 18.44, 18.23 and 17.92 milligauss (mG) respectively (high, medium, low and ambient temperature set). ELF-EMF of high temperature set was higher than data of medium, low and ambient set in all the distances.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ELF-EMF from convective air warming system is higher in condition of more close location and higher temperature. ELF-EMF within thirty centimeters exceeds 2mG recommended by Swedish TCO guideline.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kwang Rae
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Myoung-Hun
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Myoung Jin
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jae Wook
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Hwa
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yei-Heum
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yong Han
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ki Hoon
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Soo
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Air warmer; ELF-EMF; Operating room