Electromagnetic fields’ exposure to head, torso and limbs in office workplaces

I. Vilcane¹*, T. Koppel², J. Bartusauskis¹, V. Urbane¹, J. Ievins¹, H. Kalkis³⁴, and Z. Roja⁴

¹Riga Technical University, Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, institute of Occupational Safety and Civil Defence, Kalku str. 1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
²Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Business, Labour Environment and Safety, Ehitajate str. 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
³Riga Stradins University, Faculty of European Studies, Dzirciema str. 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
⁴University of Latvia, Faculty of Chemistry, Ergonomic Research centre, Jelgavas str. 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: Inese.Vilcane@rtu.lv

Abstract:

The aim of this research was to investigate the electromagnetic fields in the modern office environment. Both low frequency and the high frequency electromagnetic fields were studied. The sources of elevated electromagnetic fields and the conditions under which they occur were identified. Measurements were performed by following a 14-point human body model, which characterizes the overall exposure of the sitting person.

The measurements analysis revealed the most typical sources of exposure to be loosely spread power wires and extension cables, but also power cables close to the worker’s body on the floor or beneath the table. Standard office devices were also rising the exposure levels when situated in close proximity to the worker.

Key words:

Electromagnetic fields in contemporary office workplaces

T. Koppel¹,*, T. Tasa² and P. Tint¹

¹Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia;
*Correspondence: tarmo.koppel@ttu.ee
²Tallinn University Haapsalu College, Lihula mnt. 12, EE90507 Haapsalu,Estonia

Abstract:

Technological progress and widespread use of electronics has rapidly increasedlevels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in workplaces during the last decade. Today’s workersare exposed to levels of EMFs unprecedented in history. This has caused concern amongst thegeneral public. Although the EMF levels of such modern devices fall within current safetylimits, the recent studies have still raised questions regarding the biological effects well belowthe safety limits. The European Union and the World Health Organization have called forscientists to conduct more studies in this field and to investigate all aspects of EMFs. The aimof this study was to quantify the actual levels of the EMFs in contemporary workplaces. Asmost of studies have only addressed a certain frequency range, this study covers all thespectrum of low (LF), intermediate (IF) and high frequency (HF) EMFs. Altogether 69workplaces were investigated. Great variations were detected across the workplaces, dependingmainly on the computer set-up configuration. Exposure levels proved to be affected by thenearby electrical equipment, arrangement of wires or faulty appliances. At the end of the paperthe authors discuss different network connection technologies and provide the results whichsuggest solutions for lower HF EMF exposures that allow for following of the precautionaryprinciple.Key words: electromagnetic fields, occupational exposure, office, reduction, mitigation.

Key words:

electromagnetic fields, mitigation, occupational exposure, office, reduction