Evaluation of the safety of users of active implantable medical devices (AIMD) in the working environment in terms of exposure to electromagnetic fields - Practical approach to the requirements of European Directive 2013/35/EU.

Objectives: Electromagnetic fields (EMF) may cause malfunctions in electronic devices, in particular in active implantable medical devices (AIMD), along with discomfort or health hazards to users. The use of AIMD by workers is increasing (especially cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and wearable insulin infusion pumps). Electromagnetic fields may be much stronger in the working environment than applied in basic immunity tests of AIMD (based on EN 60601- 1-2:2015 and EN 50527-1:2016).

An and Evaluation of Biophysical Effects of 27 MHz Electromagnetic Whole Body Humans Exposure Expressed by the Limb Current.

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate correlations between biophysical effects of 27 MHz electromagnetic field exposure in humans (limb induced current (LIC)) and (1) parameters of affecting heterogeneous electric field and (2) body anthropometric properties, in order to improve the evaluation of electromagnetic environmental hazards.

Methods: Biophysical effects of exposure were studied by measurements of LIC in 24 volunteers (at the ankle) standing near radio communication rod antenna and in 4 numerical body phantoms exposed near a model of antenna.

Results: Strong, positive, statistically significant correlations were found in all exposure scenarios between LIC and body volume index (body height multiplied by mass) ( > 0.

[Evaluation of hazards caused by magnetic field emitted from magnetotherapy applicator to the users of bone conduction hearing prostheses].

Background: Low frequency magnetic field, inducing electrical field (E) inside conductive structures may directly affect the human body, e.g., by electrostimulation in the nervous system.

Evaluation of exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation in the indoor workplace accessible to the public by the use of frequency-selective exposimeters.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify and assess electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRR) exposure in a workplace located in a publicly accessible environment, and represented by offices (where exposure is caused by various transmitters of local fixed indoor and outdoor wireless communication systems).

Material And Methods: The investigations were performed in 45 buildings (in urban and rural areas in various regions of Poland), using frequency-selective electric field strength (E-field) exposimeters sensitive to the EMRR with a frequency range of 88-2500 MHz, split into 12 sub-bands corresponding to the operating frequencies of typical EMRR sources. The variability of the E-field was analyzed for each frequency range and the total level of exposure by statistical parameters of recorded exposimetric profiles: minimum, maximum, median values and 25-75th - percentiles.

[Anthropometric differentiation of effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields of frequency 100 MHz on workers].

Background: Thermal effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (REMF) exposure of humans may be assessed by calculations of the parameter recognized as SAR (specific energy absorption rate) in virtual human body models, which actually do not represent anthropometric properties of the entire population. Therefore, it is important to determine the relations between SAR values and anthropometric parameters that enable individualization of SAR estimation independently of body properties of a given person.

Material And Methods: The analysis concerned 48 exposure scenarios of 4 virtual body models (male and female) to vertically or horizontally polarized REMF of 27 MHz or 100 MHz frequency of various directions of propagation.

[Measurement and assessment of electromagnetic fields near radiophones in line with provisions of European Directive 2013/35/EU and Polish labour law].

Background: The activities of rescue and uniformed services require the use of wireless communication devices, such as portable radiophones. Assessment of workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by radiophones is important in view of occupational safety and health (OSH), legislation requirements and reports on possible adverse health effects in users of devices emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic field.

Materials And Methods: In this study 50 portable radiophones of conventional and trunked communication systems were investigated.

[Objectivized evaluation of surgeons exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields -- in the context of exposure duration and Polish and new international requirements regarding workers protection].

Background: Use of electro surgery units (ESU) in surgeries is linked with electromagnetic field emission, which is assessed according to the requirements of occupational health and safety legislation.

Material And Methods: Surgeons' exposure characteristics was monitored during 11 surgeries (proctectomy, patency of artery, hepatectomy, cystectomy, tonsilectomy, laparoscopy) by real time of monopolar ESU activity recorder. Investigations of root-mean-square value of electric and magnetic field strength was also performed at various modes of ESU operations during cutting (output power, 55-150 W; frequency, 330-445 kHz) and coagulating (40-240 W, 335-770 kHz).

[Assessment of the portable radiophone users' exposure to electromagnetic fields, with use of numerical simulations and directive 2013/35/EU requirements].

Background: The assessment of electromagnetic field distribution near radiophones and their use warranted an analysis of ther mal exposure hazards and related health effects, based on i.e. numerical calculations of specific energy absorption rate (SAR).