Occupational Exposure of Dentists to Extremely‐low‐frequency Magnetic Field

Huang, Shu Min; Lin, Yu Wen; Sung, Fung Chang; Li, Chung‐Yi; Chang, Ming Fong; Chen, Pei Chun

doi:10.1539/joh.o10024

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Another factor to be considered is the environment: areas where the general public and hospital personnel are exposed have to be selected. Some authors analyzed the exposure of healthcare workers to low-frequency radiation [8][9][10] . In our case, we are aiming at highfrequency radiation, so their results in terms of the more exposed areas are not directly applicable.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

General public and workers exposure to high-frequency electric fields in Spanish hospitals

et al. 2013

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Introduction: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are commonly used in hospitals to detect and treat certain diseases or ailments, exposing healthcare workers daily to such fields and casting doubts about workers and patients safety. Objectives: To quantify the actual exposure to high-frequency electric fields of workers and public hospitals users in the Balearic Islands (Spain) and the compliance with the references levels established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Material and Methods: High-frequency radiation exposure levels were measured in different areas and compared with ICNIRP levels and Spanish regulation, using a broadband field strength meter and a spectrum analyzer. Results: 1,290 measurements were performed obtaining a median electric field of 0.31 V/m (1st quartile: 0.16 V/m; 3rd quartile: 0.67 V/m). Users and workers are exposed to electric fields from 0.19 V/m to 0.25 V/m in all areas, but Rehabilitation and Radiology. In the former, the patients (not under microwave therapy) are exposed to EMF between 1.87 V/m and 25.71 V/m. Discussion and conclusions: Although effective electric field values are lower than the reference levels, measures should be taken to reduce exposure of especially sensitive people (infants, children, pregnant women,…) and ensure regular monitoring of the exposure.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

General public and workers exposure to high-frequency electric fields in Spanish hospitals

et al. 2013

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“…[2728] Some studies indicate that dentistry is among job categories with high potential exposure to elevated levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields. [29] In spite of this, information on occupational exposure of dentists to these fields is scarce. [29] Studies on other common sources of EMFs such as mobile base stations have shown alterations in the cortisol level following exposure of humans to these sources.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[29] In spite of this, information on occupational exposure of dentists to these fields is scarce. [29] Studies on other common sources of EMFs such as mobile base stations have shown alterations in the cortisol level following exposure of humans to these sources. [3031]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational exposure of dentists to electromagnetic fields produced by magnetostrictive cavitrons alters the serum cortisol level

Mortazavi¹,

Vazife-Doost²,

Yaghooti³

et al. 2012

J Nat Sc Biol Med

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Objectives:Some studies indicate that dentistry is one of the job categories with high potential exposure to elevated levels of extremely low frequency magnetic fields. In spite of this, information on occupational exposure of dentists to these fields is scarce. Studies on other common sources of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as mobile base stations have shown alterations in the cortisol level following exposure of humans to these sources. The aim of this study is to compare the level of cortisol among dentists and dentistry students who are being occupationally exposed to EMFs emitted by magnetostrictive cavitrons (case group) and among their counterparts who are not being exposed to these fields (control group).Materials and Methods:In this case–control study, blood samples were collected from 41 dentists and dentistry students, 21 of whom were exposed to EMFs emitted by cavitrons as the case group and 20 who were not exposed as the control group, twice; i.e. before work (at 8:30–9:30 a.m.) and after work (11:30–12:30 a.m.). The samples were coded and the serum cortisol level was investigated using the ELISA method (Cortisol AccuBind ELISA Kits).Results:The serum cortisol level of dentists and dental students in the morning (before starting the work) in the control group was 189.15 ± 110.70 (mean ± SD) whereas it was 157.77 ± 112.03 in those who were occupationally exposed to EMFs produced by the use of cavitrons. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.373). In contrast, the serum cortisol level of the participants in the noon (after stopping the work) in the control group was 136.25 ± 67.91 (mean ± SD) while it was 88.58 ± 52.83 in those who were occupationally exposed to EMFs produced by the use of cavitrons. This time, the observed difference was statistically significant (P = 0.016). In this light, while the difference between serum cortisol levels of dentists and dental students in the morning and after stopping the work was not statistically significant (P = 0.06), in the EMF-exposed group the cortisol level decreased significantly from 157.77 ± 112.03 in the morning to 88.58 ± 52.83 in the noon (P = 0.001).Conclusions:As far as we know, this is the first study that evaluated the effect of occupational exposure of dentists to EMFs on their serum cortisol level. The EMFs produced by magnetostrictive cavitrons can decrease the serum cortisol level in dentists. As cortisol plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, cardiovascular, and immune system function, a low cortisol level may threaten health. More studies are needed to clearly understand the effects of EMFs emitted by magnetostrictive cavitron on the level of stress hormones. As some studies have shown that exposure to EMFs has no effect on the cortisol level, whereas other studies reported either an increase or a decrease in the cortisol level, it can be concluded that the effects of exposure to EMFs may occur only at specific absorbed energies or energy absorption rates (usually known as window) similar to that exis...

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A Source-based Measurement Database for Occupational Exposure Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields in the INTEROCC Study: A Literature Review Approach

Vila

Bowman

Richardson

et al. 2015

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

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Introduction:To date, occupational exposure assessment of electromagnetic fields (EMF) has relied on occupation-based measurements and exposure estimates. However, misclassification due to between-worker variability remains an unsolved challenge. A source-based approach, supported by detailed subject data on determinants of exposure, may allow for a more individualized exposure assessment. Detailed information on the use of occupational sources of exposure to EMF was collected as part of the INTERPHONE-INTEROCC study. To support a source-based exposure assessment effort within this study, this work aimed to construct a measurement database for the occupational sources of EMF exposure identified, assembling available measurements from the scientific literature.Methods:First, a comprehensive literature search was performed for published and unpublished documents containing exposure measurements for the EMF sources identified, a priori as well as from answers of study subjects. Then, the measurements identified were assessed for quality and relevance to the study objectives. Finally, the measurements selected and complementary information were compiled into an Occupational Exposure Measurement Database (OEMD).Results:Currently, the OEMD contains 1624 sets of measurements (>3000 entries) for 285 sources of EMF exposure, organized by frequency band (0 Hz to 300 GHz) and dosimetry type. Ninety-five documents were selected from the literature (almost 35% of them are unpublished technical reports), containing measurements which were considered informative and valid for our purpose. Measurement data and complementary information collected from these documents came from 16 different countries and cover the time period between 1974 and 2013.Conclusion:We have constructed a database with measurements and complementary information for the most common sources of exposure to EMF in the workplace, based on the responses to the INTERPHONE-INTEROCC study questionnaire. This database covers the entire EMF frequency range and represents the most comprehensive resource of information on occupational EMF exposure. It is available at .

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Occupational Exposure of Dentists to Extremely‐low‐frequency Magnetic Field

Abstract: Occupational Exposure of Dentists toExtremely-low-frequency Magnetic Field: Shu-Min Huang, et al.

Cited by 4 publications

References 15 publications

General public and workers exposure to high-frequency electric fields in Spanish hospitals

General public and workers exposure to high-frequency electric fields in Spanish hospitals

Occupational exposure of dentists to electromagnetic fields produced by magnetostrictive cavitrons alters the serum cortisol level

A Source-based Measurement Database for Occupational Exposure Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields in the INTEROCC Study: A Literature Review Approach

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