Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Field Intensity in Operating Rooms and Estimation of Occupational Exposures of Personnel Publisher



Ghazikhanlousani K¹ ; Rahimi A² ; Poorkaveh M¹ ; Eynali S³ ; Koosha F⁴ ; Shoja M⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Interventional Medicine and Applied Science Published:2018

Abstract

Introduction: Operating rooms in hospitals are facilitated with different types of electronic systems, which produce electromagnetic waves.High intensities of magnetic waves may have harmful effects on biological environments. This study aims to evaluate the electromagnetic fieldintensity at different parts of operating rooms at the first stage and estimate the occupational exposure to operating room personnel at the next phase.Materials and methods: At this cross-sectional study, the magnetic field intensity was evaluated using teslameter at several parts of operating rooms,during operating procedures, while electrical instruments were working. Background electromagnetic field intensity was measured when all theelectrical systems were idle. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results were compared with ICNIRP standards. Results: Themaximum intensity of magnetic field was measured around high-voltage systems at the distance of 50 cm in the personnel's standing area at DCR andPCNL operating procedures were 5.9 and 5.6, respectively. The number of on-mode electrical systems was inconsistent with the intensity ofelectromagnetic fields at the standing area of operating room personnel's. The intensity of magnetic fields around high-voltage systems, which wasabout 46.75 mG at the distance of 10 cm, was the highest among measured electromagnetic fields. Conclusions: The highest magnetic field intensitymeasured in this study was related to high-voltage systems and is lower than advised intensity by ICNIRP for occupational exposure. Based on thisstudy, it can be concluded that there are no considerable risks of electromagnetic exposure for operating room personnels. © 2018 The Author(s).