Tag Archives: extremely low frequency

1737-1744 I. Vilcane, T. Koppel, J. Bartusauskis, V. Urbane, J. Ievins, H. Kalkis, and Z. Roja
Electromagnetic fields’ exposure to head, torso and limbs in office workplaces
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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.

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863-874 T. Koppel and P. Tint
Reducing exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields from portable computers
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Reducing exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields from portable computers

T. Koppel* and P. Tint

Tallinn University of technology, Ehitajate tee ⁵, EE¹⁹0⁸⁶ Tallinn, Estonia; *Correspondence: tarmo.koppel@ttu.ee

Abstract:

The relevance of this article can be described by the rapid development in computer technology which has resulted in widespread use of laptop computers. Consequently the population is now more exposed to the electromagnetic fields, emanating from such devices. The aim of this article is to test various intervention measures which would help to reduce the exposure. The authors focus only on the measures easily applicable by the general public. The effectiveness of the interventions is measured by reduced electric and magnetic field. This study focuses on the electromagnetic fields in the range of ⁵0 Hz to ⁴00 kHz. The importance of minimizing exposure to the electromagnetic fields is also stressed by the high level European bodies. Reduction of environmental risk factors, where possible, is in fact the corner stone of European occupational health legislation. The measurements are conducted using a novel ¹⁴-point model, covering the entire body of the user. Measurements from ⁴⁶ laptop computer workplaces provided data about ¹⁵⁶ unique exposure instances. The measurement results show that the least exposure scenario comprises of a laptop computer working on battery, having external input devices and display, the casing of the computer being properly grounded and power wires and adapters are positioned away from the user’s body.

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