Sources of Electromagnetic Field in Transportation System and Their Possible Health Impacts

Abstract

Exposure to electromagnetic field caused by transportation systems is a cause of concern for many people. In public and personal transport there are many sources of electromagnetic field. Plenty of dosimetric analyses of electromagnetic field carried out by various research groups found out very high exposure values in the transport. Although the measured fields in transport remain well below the general limit for public exposure as defined by ICNIRP (1998) standards, they are relatively high compared to other micro-environments in daily life, especially for children seated in the rear seat, as field strengths are comparatively high there and children are a sensitive part of the population. How long-term effects of these fields affect the human organism and what is the mechanism of action, are questions without known answers. Several studies point to the potential association of various diseases with exposure to electromagnetic field. The key to understanding the effect of the electromagnetic field on the human organism is to reveal the mechanism of action of the field.

Electromagnetic field effects of marine radar systems on the ship crew

“…These could be produced by cell towers, high voltage lines, domestic power installations, microwave ovens, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and even simple light bulbs. [3][4][5] In general, every device that emits electromagnetic waves is a source of electromagnetic pollution. 6,7 The propagation of electromagnetic fields could also be defined as electromagnetic radiation.…”

“…This could increase tissue temperatures. 4,10 The increase in tissue temperatures in the human body by more than half a degree could not be tolerated by the tissues and lead to tissue damage. 5,9 Thus, World Health Organization, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) determined certain limits to prevent the effects of radio frequencies and microwaves on human body.…”