Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Measurement during Lessons in Elementary Schools

Abstract

Schools are an important place for children’s exposure to electromagnetic fields, which may cause adverse health effects. To better understand environmental extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) exposure among elementary school students, we measured numeric values of ELF-MFs in five classrooms at four schools during digital learning class hours. The measurement of ELF-MFs was taken with an EMDEX II field analyzer. Specifically, we examined the level of exposure to ELF-MFs for each student’s seating position in the classroom. The results showed that ELF-MFs exposure levels were lower than those in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines; however, there were significant differences in the level of magnetic field exposure at each school and at each student’s seat. The exposure to ELF-MFs at students’ seat positions was mostly caused by electrical appliances, electronic wiring, and distribution boxes, but the exposure level decreased as the distance increased. Therefore, it is important to design safe and appropriate environments for digital learning in schools, such as proper seating arrangements, to avoid ELF-MFs exposure to students as much as possible. Future studies should measure ELF-MFs levels in other areas and investigate the effects of exposure to ELF-MFs during school hours on children’s health.

Isotropic ΙoT-Based Magnetic Flux Density Meter Implementation for ELF Field Measurements

“…Magnetic field levels up to 300 nT are considered within safe limits in most countries of the world. Several studies have shown that the field is regarded as potentially harmful from 400 nT to 1 µT, and dangerous from 1 µT and above [2,23]. Furthermore, the percentage magnetic field contribution (%) of each probe is available to the user to identify the plane direction (X, Y, or Z) of the incident magnetic field.…”

“…A considerable rise in blood triglycerides, a putative stress indicator in humans, the disorientation of chicks, and a reduced response time in monkeys are some unsettling effects of exposure to ELF fields [1]. Although some other research shows no link, epidemiological studies show a positive association between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to ELF fields and several forms of cancer, such as childhood leukaemia [2].…”

Evaluation of ELF-MF Exposure Levels for Elementary School Students in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

“…including separation distances and facility limits, have been implemented for places like kindergartens and elementary schools. These measures are put in place to shield children from ELF-MF emitted by power facilities, base stations, broadcasting stations, and other sources (Park et al, 2020).…”