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Survey of residential 50 Hz EMF exposure from transformer stations.

Bioelectromagnetics · 2007 · Unclear · Low evidence

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UnclearLow evidencePaper 5087

In 21 apartments above transformer stations, the time-weighted average 24 h MF exposure at bed height was 3.03 microT, exceeding usual residential exposure (<0.2 microT). Mean personal HOME and BED exposures were 0.825 and 1.033 microT, respectively.

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2007
Study typeexposure_assessment
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

In Hungary it is typical that 10/04 kV transformer stations are being installed in multistory residential and office buildings. Magnetic fields (MFs) up to several tens of microT have been measured in apartments close to transformers. The aim of the present study was to provide systematic assessment of MF exposure of residents living above transformer stations. Out of 41 addresses provided by the electricity supplier, current load of 21 transformers and MF in 21 apartments was measured. Spot MFs at 1 m height and time weighted average 24 h MF exposure at bed height was measured. All-day personal MF exposure was measured at waist and HOME exposure was calculated. BED exposure was measured at bed height. Participants kept a time-activity diary. The time-weighted average 24 h MF exposure (3.03 microT) exceeded the usual residential exposure (<0.2 microT). The mean HOME and BED personal exposure above transformers was 0.825 and 1.033 microT, respectively. Our study provides exposure assessment of a cohort with a wider exposure range, compared to power-line epidemiological studies.

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 typeexposure_assessment
Effect directionunclear
PopulationResidents living in apartments above 10/0.4 kV transformer stations in multistory residential/office buildings (Hungary)
Sample size21
ExposureELF · 24 h (time-weighted average); all-day personal exposure
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In 21 apartments above transformer stations, the time-weighted average 24 h MF exposure at bed height was 3.03 microT, exceeding usual residential exposure (<0.2 microT). Mean personal HOME and BED exposures were 0.825 and 1.033 microT, respectively.

Outcomes measured

  • Spot magnetic field at 1 m height
  • Time-weighted average 24 h magnetic field exposure at bed height (BED)
  • All-day personal magnetic field exposure at waist
  • Calculated HOME exposure
  • Transformer current load

Limitations

  • Only 21 of 41 provided addresses were measured (selection not described)
  • Exposure assessment study; no health outcomes reported
  • Geographically limited to Hungary and to buildings with transformer stations
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "residential transformer station",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "24 h (time-weighted average); all-day personal exposure"
  },
  "population": "Residents living in apartments above 10/0.4 kV transformer stations in multistory residential/office buildings (Hungary)",
  "sample_size": 21,
  "outcomes": [
    "Spot magnetic field at 1 m height",
    "Time-weighted average 24 h magnetic field exposure at bed height (BED)",
    "All-day personal magnetic field exposure at waist",
    "Calculated HOME exposure",
    "Transformer current load"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In 21 apartments above transformer stations, the time-weighted average 24 h MF exposure at bed height was 3.03 microT, exceeding usual residential exposure (<0.2 microT). Mean personal HOME and BED exposures were 0.825 and 1.033 microT, respectively.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Only 21 of 41 provided addresses were measured (selection not described)",
    "Exposure assessment study; no health outcomes reported",
    "Geographically limited to Hungary and to buildings with transformer stations"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "50 Hz",
    "ELF magnetic fields",
    "residential exposure",
    "transformer stations",
    "apartments",
    "personal exposure monitoring",
    "time-weighted average",
    "HOME exposure",
    "BED exposure",
    "Hungary"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.15,
      "reason": "Includes transformer current load measurements, but primary setting is residential rather than occupational."
    }
  ]
}
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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: 10.1002/bem.20264
PubMed: 16988992

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