How Much are Anesthesiologists Exposed to Electromagnetic Fields in Operating Rooms?.
10.4097/kjae.2000.38.1.118
- Author:
Ki Jun KIM
1
;
Hoon Do KIM
;
Yong Taek NAM
;
Sun Ho NAM
;
Deok Won KIM
;
Chang Yong RYU
;
Ki Chang NAM
Author Information
1. Departments of Anesthesiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Measurement techniques: extremely low frequency field strenghth measurement system;
Operating rooms: magnetic field
- MeSH:
Electromagnetic Fields*;
Human Body;
Magnetic Fields;
Magnets*;
Operating Rooms*
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2000;38(1):118-122
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: So many electronic devices have been introduced in the operating room. However, little was known about the hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to the human body. We have studied about how much the anesthesiologists are exposed to EMF. METHODS: In 19 operating rooms of our hospital, the intensity of magnetic fields was measured by an ELF (Extremely low frequency) field strength measurement system. The distances were 30 cm, 50 cm and the anesthesiologist's proximity to the monitoring devices. RESULTS: The average strength of 19 operating rooms were 2.22 +/- 1.13 mG at 30 cm from the monitors, 1.29 +/- 0.84 mG at 50 cm and 1.00 +/- 0.78 mG at the anesthesiologist's stand. CONCLUSIONS: We found that in some of our operating rooms the exposure to EMF was measured above Sweden's TCO limit which has been accepted as the EMF radiation rule for computer monitors. Although the hazards of EMF have not been definitely confirmed yet, the effort not to be exposed to EMF should be considered by anesthesiologists.
