Inventory of MRI applications and workers exposed to MRI-related electromagnetic fields in the Netherlands.

European journal of radiology · 2013 · Unclear · Low evidence

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UnclearLow evidencePaper 4576

Study snapshot

PublicationEuropean journal of radiology · 2013

Study typecross_sectional

Reported directionUnclear

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterise and quantify the population that is occupationally exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and to identify factors that determine the probability and type of exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was used to collect information about scanners, procedures, historical developments and employees working with or near MRI scanners in clinical and research MRI departments in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 145 MRI departments. A rapid increase in the use of MRI and field strength of the scanners was observed and quantified. The strongest magnets were employed by academic hospitals and research departments. Approximately 7000 individuals were reported to be working inside an MRI scanner room and were thus considered to have high probability of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF). Fifty-four per cent was exposed to SMF at least one day per month. The largest occupationally exposed group were radiographers (n ~ 1700). Nine per cent of the 7000 involved workers were regularly present inside a scanner room during image acquisition, when exposure to additional types of EMF is considered a possibility. This practice was most prevalent among workers involved in scanning animals. CONCLUSION: The data illustrate recent trends and historical developments in magnetic resonance imaging and provide an extensive characterisation of the occupationally exposed population. A considerable number of workers are potentially exposed to MRI-related EMF. Type and frequency of potential exposure depend on the job performed, as well as the type of workplace.

Machine Enhanced Logic

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 typecross_sectional

Effect directionunclear

PopulationEmployees working with or near MRI scanners in clinical and research MRI departments in the Netherlands

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureNot supplied

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Questionnaire data from 145 MRI departments indicated a rapid increase in MRI use and scanner field strength, with the strongest magnets used by academic hospitals and research departments. Approximately 7000 individuals were reported to work inside an MRI scanner room (high probability of SMF exposure); 54% were exposed to SMF at least one day per month. About 9% of these workers were regularly present in the scanner room during image acquisition, when additional EMF exposure was considered possible, most commonly among workers scanning animals.

Outcomes measured

Number of MRI departments and scanners/procedures characterized
Trends in MRI use and scanner field strength
Estimated number of workers with high probability of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF)
Frequency of SMF exposure (e.g., at least one day per month)
Proportion of workers present during image acquisition (possible additional EMF exposure)
Occupational groups with exposure (e.g., radiographers)
Workplace/job factors associated with probability/type of exposure

Limitations

Exposure was characterized via questionnaire survey (self-reported/department-reported information) rather than direct measurements.
The abstract does not report health outcomes; it focuses on characterizing potentially exposed populations and circumstances.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cross_sectional",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "MRI (occupational)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Employees working with or near MRI scanners in clinical and research MRI departments in the Netherlands",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Number of MRI departments and scanners/procedures characterized",
    "Trends in MRI use and scanner field strength",
    "Estimated number of workers with high probability of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields (SMF)",
    "Frequency of SMF exposure (e.g., at least one day per month)",
    "Proportion of workers present during image acquisition (possible additional EMF exposure)",
    "Occupational groups with exposure (e.g., radiographers)",
    "Workplace/job factors associated with probability/type of exposure"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Questionnaire data from 145 MRI departments indicated a rapid increase in MRI use and scanner field strength, with the strongest magnets used by academic hospitals and research departments. Approximately 7000 individuals were reported to work inside an MRI scanner room (high probability of SMF exposure); 54% were exposed to SMF at least one day per month. About 9% of these workers were regularly present in the scanner room during image acquisition, when additional EMF exposure was considered possible, most commonly among workers scanning animals.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Exposure was characterized via questionnaire survey (self-reported/department-reported information) rather than direct measurements.",
    "The abstract does not report health outcomes; it focuses on characterizing potentially exposed populations and circumstances."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "MRI",
    "occupational exposure",
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "static magnetic fields",
    "questionnaire survey",
    "Netherlands",
    "radiographers",
    "scanner room",
    "field strength"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "Study inventories and characterizes workers occupationally exposed to MRI-related EMF in the Netherlands."
    }
  ]
}

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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.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.07.023
PubMed: 24055183

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