A Source-based Measurement Database for Occupational Exposure Assessment of Electromagnetic Fields in the INTEROCC Study: A Literature Review Approach

Abstract

Introduction:To date, occupational exposure assessment of electromagnetic fields (EMF) has relied on occupation-based measurements and exposure estimates. However, misclassification due to between-worker variability remains an unsolved challenge. A source-based approach, supported by detailed subject data on determinants of exposure, may allow for a more individualized exposure assessment. Detailed information on the use of occupational sources of exposure to EMF was collected as part of the INTERPHONE-INTEROCC study. To support a source-based exposure assessment effort within this study, this work aimed to construct a measurement database for the occupational sources of EMF exposure identified, assembling available measurements from the scientific literature.Methods:First, a comprehensive literature search was performed for published and unpublished documents containing exposure measurements for the EMF sources identified, a priori as well as from answers of study subjects. Then, the measurements identified were assessed for quality and relevance to the study objectives. Finally, the measurements selected and complementary information were compiled into an Occupational Exposure Measurement Database (OEMD).Results:Currently, the OEMD contains 1624 sets of measurements (>3000 entries) for 285 sources of EMF exposure, organized by frequency band (0 Hz to 300 GHz) and dosimetry type. Ninety-five documents were selected from the literature (almost 35% of them are unpublished technical reports), containing measurements which were considered informative and valid for our purpose. Measurement data and complementary information collected from these documents came from 16 different countries and cover the time period between 1974 and 2013.Conclusion:We have constructed a database with measurements and complementary information for the most common sources of exposure to EMF in the workplace, based on the responses to the INTERPHONE-INTEROCC study questionnaire. This database covers the entire EMF frequency range and represents the most comprehensive resource of information on occupational EMF exposure. It is available at .

Development of a source-exposure matrix for occupational exposure assessment of electromagnetic fields in the INTEROCC study

“…If the time-weighted average or cumulative exposures are desired, the questionnaire also needs to obtain information on the frequency and duration of use/exposure. In INTEROCC, industry was considered through the classification of all EMF sources into twelve occupational sections 19 . Therefore, the variability due to industrial differences is embedded within the type of source itself, which together with the aforementioned information on other exposure determinants allows a detailed estimation of a subject’s level of exposure.…”

“…INTEROCC experts, with experience in occupational EMF measurements, used a semi-quantitative approach to derive an average rating for each set of measurements extracted from a study. Using a confidence evaluation form published with the OEMD paper 19 , each EMF expert first assigned a rating between 0 and 3 (0–1: low confidence; ≥1–2: moderate confidence; ≥2–3: high confidence) to eight specific factors of interest: sampling strategy, sample size, type of statistic reported, duty factor, dosimetry type, anatomical location, nature of exposure scenario, and overall quality and reliability. Each set of measurements was rated by at least two experts and an average rating was assigned.…”

“…To check the quality of the estimation process and ensure the assumptions in our semi-empiric methods were appropriate for OEMD data, we performed tests based on fundamental statistical characteristics of log-normal distributions (such as Min < GM < AM<Max ) as well as more specific checks based on EMF physical properties 19 . Manual calculations were also performed, comparing the results with those from the programmed algorithms.…”

“…In this database, an EMF source refers to a specific piece of equipment and/or task which can lead to EMF exposure. Details of the construction and content of the OEMD were recently published 19 and public access to this database is available at www.crealradiation.com/index.php/en/databases.…”

Immune factors and viral interactions in brain cancer etiology and outcomes, The 2016 Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium Meeting report

“…Validation studies are concentrating on additional factors, such as laterality of the tumor, anatomical location, and more precise dose estimations; these studies provide some consistent results indicating a possible risk associated with the use of mobile phone. As mobile phone use continues to increase and evolve, continuing studies that determine exposure, risk assessments, are essential – several studies on children (Mobi-Kids) [12], novel methodologies (GERoNiMO), and occupational exposures (INTEROCC) [14] are poised to contribute additional findings in short order. …”