Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields in an urban area

Abstract

Magnetic field levels were studied in an urban area--the city of Cáceres (Spain). The study included systematic spot measurements throughout the city, an analysis of the temporal variation of the magnetic field, and the incorporation of the data into a geographic information system. The levels detected were at most 7.3% of the ICNIRP reference levels, and the highest fields were found in the oldest neighborhoods. Considered overall, the ELF magnetic flux density levels determined in the present study were between those found in residential and in working environments. Knowledge of the levels of such fields in urban areas is therefore fundamental in evaluating the population's overall exposure, especially for people who work outdoors.

Enhancement of the hydrolysis activity of F0F1‐ATPases using 60 Hz magnetic fields

“…It is known that there have been considerable concerns and controversies recently about the effects on human health from increasing exposure to ELF-EMFs [Merchant et al, 1994;Lacy-Hulbert et al, 1998;Saunders and McCaig, 2005;Paniagua et al, 2007]. These effects may be related to the change of activity of F 0 F 1 -ATPase induced by the magnetic fields, since F 0 F 1 -ATPase is an important protein for energy transport across membrane.…”

“…At present, the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on human health have prompted considerable public concern since ELFEMFs are ubiquitous in modern society [Repacholi and Greenebaum, 1999;Kheifets and Shimkhada, 2005;Saunders and McCaig, 2005;Paniagua et al, 2007]. The effects can be mostly attributed to the dynamics at the nucleic acid and protein levels, with possible influences on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis [Cridland et al, 1999;Ciombor et al, 2002;Del Re et al, 2003Schmitz et al, 2004], the membrane protein structure of living HeLa cells [Ikehara et al, 2003], ornithine decarboxylase enzyme activity [Byus, 1995;Valtersson et al, 1997;Ichinose et al, 2004;Naarala et al, 2004], Na,K-ATPase activity Soo, 1993, 1996;Martirosov and Blank, 1995] and biological membranes [Miller, 1991;Paradisi et al, 1993;Astumian et al, 1995;Bersani et al, 1997;Volpe et al, 1998;Baureus-Koch et al, 2003].…”

Magnetic-Field Measurements Near Two-Pole-Type Distribution Substations

“…Refrences [10] and [11] describe the magnetic-field measurements carried out in city streets, without providing information about measurements close to distribution pillars or power substations. Another study [12] describes the magnetic-field measurements conducted in an underground residential distribution system.…”

“…In addition, the presence of EMFs in urban environments has been the subject of much research. Measurements of the magnetic field in city streets conducted in Göteborg, Sweden, and in the city of Cáceres, Spain, are presented in [10] and [11]. Furthermore, measurements of the magnetic fields derived from underground distribution systems in residential areas are described in [12] and [13].…”

Exposure of workers to extremely low frequency magnetic fields during the temperature-rise test of electrotechnical equipment

“…The possible effects on human health from exposure to low-frequency EMFs are presented in [1,2]. Many academic works are dedicated to the measurement of the exposure of workers and the public to magnetic fields [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”