Measurement and Assessment of Exposure to 50 Hz Magnetic Fields from Common Home Electrical Appliances

Abstract

In this twenty first century, man is exposed to a very high amount of magnetic fields in his environment. This is mainly due to the ubiquitous use of electricity and other technological devices, which are the major sources of magnetic field pollution. The effect of magnetic field exposure on health problems and safety risk of people is continually being investigated. A number of international organizations have formulated guidelines on limits to the value of the generated magnetic field. This work provides information on the amount of 50 Hz magnetic field created by some common home electrical appliances, and compare results obtained with permissible exposure limit by The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for the public. The home electrical appliances investigated include electric cooker, hair dryer, toaster, kettle, fan, microwave oven, electric iron, voltage stabilizer, etc. Measurements were carried out with the aid of a magnetic field strength meter, at a distance of 3 cm to 75 cm from the appliances. Results showed that the magnetic field varies with distance from the appliances (by quarter of a meter, most become negligible), the power consumption of the appliance, the age of the appliance, and the product (manufacturer) of the appliance. Also, appliances with electromagnets, coils and electric motors produce more magnetic fields than appliances with heating elements. At a distance of 3 cm from the appliances, the highest value of magnetic field obtained was 85.5 µT and the lowest value of the magnetic field obtained was 4.28 µT. The overall results obtained indicate that the magnetic field strengths are lower than the maximum permissible exposure limit (100 µT) recommended by ICNIRP for members of the public, and therefore, will not lead to any significant exposure risk. In conclusion, in-expensive measures of reducing magnetic field exposure are recommended.