Measurement and analysis of power-frequency magnetic fields in residences: Results from a pilot study

2018 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

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UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 2057

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2018

Study typeexposure_assessment

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

Measurement and analysis of power-frequency magnetic fields in residences: Results from a pilot study Halgamuge MN, McLean L. Measurement and analysis of power-frequency magnetic fields in residences: Results from a pilot study. Measurement. 125:415-424. Sep 2018. Highlights • Exposure to high magnetic fields in residential situations occurs in proximity to appliances. • Emissions from some appliances exceeded the general public exposure levels of the ICNIRP limits. • Taking precautions, such as reducing distance from sources can significantly reduce exposures. • Collected data can be useful as an additional data base for future epidemiological studies. Abstract Aim Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) are emitted by electrical household appliances, wiring, meter boxes, conductive plumbing, power lines and transformers. Some of the studies investigating the link between ELF-MFs and health problems have not adequately characterized the magnetic field exposure of subjects, as they did not always measure residential magnetic fields or measure in locations where residents are most exposed. Considering this, there is a need for good quality assessments of residential ELF-MFs in different geographical regions to collect general public exposure data and to identify high sources of magnetic fields. Such studies have the potential to add significant scientific knowledge about residential exposure and appropriate precautions to reduce exposure, improve the quality of life and substantially reduce health care costs. Subject and methods In this work, we analyzed the ELF-MFs from 3163 datasets collected from 100 houses in Australia. Measurements were carried out in different geographical locations and were assessed for compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) Guidelines. Then we compared our measurements with another twenty-three peer-reviewed studies, published 1987-2015, reporting magnetic field measurements in residences. Results The observed average (geometric mean) magnetic field values were; bed 0.85, bedroom 1.39 mG, baby cot 0.39 mG, children's play area 0.47 mG, and family room 0.30 mG. Our results show considerable variation in the fields to which residents are typically exposed, particularly in beds (21.83%) and bedrooms (33.33%) where the percentage of measurements greater than 4 mG was considerable. Some emissions exceeded the general public exposure levels of the ICNIRP Guidelines, with the potential for residents to be exposed above these levels. However, away from electrical appliances, the average field in all rooms was 0.30-1.39 mG. We show that simple precautions can be applied to reduce exposure to ELF-MFs in residences and thereby minimize potential risks to health and wellbeing. Conclusion Our investigation provides a new data collection model for future surveys, which could be conducted with larger samples to verify our observations. Additionally, this data could be useful as a reference for researchers and those members of the general public who do not have access to the necessary measuring equipment. Conclusion Exposure to high magnetic fields in residential situations occurs in proximity to appliances, especially microwave ovens, conductive water pipes, meter boxes, and wiring, as well as external sources such as power lines, transformers and substations. Emissions of some appliances exceeded the general public exposure levels of the ICNIRP exposure guideline. However, there is no conclusive proof that electromagnetic fields cause health problems. Taking precautions, such as increasing distance from sources can significantly reduce exposures. In this work, we analyzed the power frequency magnetic fields using 3163 datasets from 100 houses in Australia. Our work provides a model for future surveys, especially for epidemiological studies. This work also will be useful to householders to understand the typical magnetic field strength to which they are exposed everyday. Future surveys could be conducted with larger samples, to verify our observations and to correlate these exposures with symptoms experienced by householders. Future studies could also consider measurements of radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices in the home. sciencedirect.com

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeexposure_assessment

Effect directionunclear

PopulationResidences (100 houses) in Australia

Sample size100

ExposureELF

Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

ELF magnetic fields were analyzed from 3163 datasets collected in 100 Australian houses. Geometric mean magnetic field values were reported for several locations (e.g., bed 0.85 mG; bedroom 1.39 mG; baby cot 0.39 mG; children’s play area 0.47 mG; family room 0.30 mG), with considerable variation and a notable percentage of measurements >4 mG in beds (21.83%) and bedrooms (33.33%). Some appliance emissions exceeded ICNIRP general public exposure guideline levels, while average fields away from appliances were 0.30–1.39 mG.

Outcomes measured

Power-frequency (ELF) magnetic field levels in residences (mG)
Proportion of measurements >4 mG in specific locations (beds, bedrooms)
Compliance with ICNIRP general public exposure guideline levels

Limitations

Pilot study
Health outcomes were not measured; paper notes there is no conclusive proof that EMFs cause health problems
Frequency value for “power-frequency” not specified in abstract
Details of measurement protocol/instrumentation not provided in abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "residential/household appliances and residential electrical sources (wiring, meter boxes, plumbing; external power infrastructure)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Residences (100 houses) in Australia",
  "sample_size": 100,
  "outcomes": [
    "Power-frequency (ELF) magnetic field levels in residences (mG)",
    "Proportion of measurements >4 mG in specific locations (beds, bedrooms)",
    "Compliance with ICNIRP general public exposure guideline levels"
  ],
  "main_findings": "ELF magnetic fields were analyzed from 3163 datasets collected in 100 Australian houses. Geometric mean magnetic field values were reported for several locations (e.g., bed 0.85 mG; bedroom 1.39 mG; baby cot 0.39 mG; children’s play area 0.47 mG; family room 0.30 mG), with considerable variation and a notable percentage of measurements >4 mG in beds (21.83%) and bedrooms (33.33%). Some appliance emissions exceeded ICNIRP general public exposure guideline levels, while average fields away from appliances were 0.30–1.39 mG.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Pilot study",
    "Health outcomes were not measured; paper notes there is no conclusive proof that EMFs cause health problems",
    "Frequency value for “power-frequency” not specified in abstract",
    "Details of measurement protocol/instrumentation not provided in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low-frequency",
    "ELF-MF",
    "power-frequency",
    "magnetic fields",
    "residential exposure",
    "household appliances",
    "ICNIRP",
    "Australia",
    "measurement",
    "meter boxes",
    "wiring",
    "power lines",
    "transformers"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.7,
      "reason": "Measurements assessed for compliance with ICNIRP Guidelines and discuss exceedances of general public exposure levels."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

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