Review of Studies Concerning Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure Assessment in Europe: Low Frequency Fields (50 Hz–100 kHz)

Abstract

We aimed to review the findings of exposure assessment studies done in European countries on the exposure of the general public to low frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) of various frequencies. The study shows that outdoor average extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) in public areas in urban environments range between 0.05 and 0.2 µT in terms of flux densities, but stronger values (of the order of a few µT) may occur directly beneath high-voltage power lines, at the walls of transformer buildings, and at the boundary fences of substations. In the indoor environment, high values have been measured close to several domestic appliances (up to the mT range), some of which are held close to the body, e.g., hair dryers, electric shavers. Common sources of exposure to intermediate frequencies (IF) include induction cookers, compact fluorescent lamps, inductive charging systems for electric cars and security or anti-theft devices. No systematic measurement surveys or personal exposimetry data for the IF range have been carried out and only a few reports on measurements of EMFs around such devices are mentioned. According to the available European exposure assessment studies, three population exposure categories were classified by the authors regarding the possible future risk analysis. This classification should be considered a crucial advancement for exposure assessment, which is a mandatory step in any future health risk assessment of EMFs exposure.

Measurements of intermediate-frequency electric and magnetic fields in households

“…However, while the range of household appliances with electrical components working in the intermediate-frequency (IF) range (300 Hz to 1 MHz) has grown significantly in recent years (e.g., induction cookers and compact fluorescent lighting), there is still only limited information available on either the typical strength of the IF fields emitted by household appliances and on the typical human exposure to IF fields at home (Gajšek et al, 2016;Litvak et al, 2002;WHO, 2005).…”

Health-Related Electromagnetic Field Assessment in the Proximity of High Voltage Power Equipment

“…In Romania, the legislation includes the emergency ordinance GO (HG) 520 20/07/2016 regarding the minimum safety and health requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks generated by electromagnetic fields, as well as the order no. 1193/2006 regarding limiting the exposure of the general population to electromagnetic fields [6]. Thus, it is necessary to monitor and reduce the existing risk through preventive and corrective measures, where appropriate [7].…”

Design and Implementation of a Test Fixture for ELF Schumann Resonance Magnetic Antenna Receiver and Magnetic Permeability Measurements

“…Such a kind of electronic equipment is required because the magnitude of the earth's geomagnetic field as the earth's surface extends between 25 and 65 µT [22] while the SR amplitude fluctuates around a few pT, which is about 70 dB smaller. Additionally, indoor [23] and outdoor [24] average ELF magnetic fields, varying from 0.05 to 0.2 µT in urban environments, constitute to the extremely difficult measurement of SR amplitudes. Consequently, most platforms are installed in non-urban environments [25,26].…”