Assessment of the Electromagnetic Field Exposure during the Use of Portable Radios in the Context of Potential Health Effects

Abstract

The paper presents research on the electromagnetic hazards related to the flow of electric currents throughout the bodies of employees using portable radios. The values often exceed established limits, which may lead to potential dysfunctions of the body and affect the safety of performed professional duties. The measurements of the electric field (E-field) distribution of a typical commercial portable radio, the limb contact current calculations, and the computer simulations determining a specific absorption rate (SAR) were supplemented with pilot neurophysiological tests. The assessment indicated a large spatial variability of the E-field strength around the devices. The head of the operator and the hand holding the radio were often in the electromagnetic field (EMF), which exceeded the established limits. The calculated SAR values ranged within the permitted limits. The conducted neurophysiological tests showed no effects of EMF exposure in comparison to the control group. The assessment of exposure to the EMF using a portable radio is initially performed by analyzing external measures: both computer simulations and measurements of workers’ limb currents. The SAR values exclude thermal effects; however, they do not eliminate potential neuromuscular effects. More neurophysiological tests are needed to obtain a broader picture of possible health effects.

Exposure Assessment to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Occupational Military Scenarios: A Review

“…Results show compliance with the European Directive on worker’s exposure limits [ 15 ]. Kieliszek et al [ 31 ] performed a study assessing the exposure due to the use of a portable radio. Specifically, they performed the measurements of the electric field distribution at 10 cm from the antenna of a typical commercial portable radio working at 30, 55 and 80 MHz for three typical radiophone powers (0.1, 1, 5 W).…”

“…By making this comparison, it was highlighted that in almost all cases the limits were respected, in terms of exposure limits values (ELVs) and/or in terms of action levels (ALs). This is truer for the radiocommunication devices for which both experimental and dosimetric studies were performed [ 20 , 21 ], and localization/surveillance devices (radar), for which exposure measurement campaigns were performed in areas occupied by the military personnel [ 7 , 31 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Conversely, exposure assessment of the EMF generated by jammer devices and wearable devices is still limited or, as in case of the EM directed-energy weapons, completely lacking.…”

Electromagnetic Design and Analysis in Electrical Power Conversion and Usage

“…A very different but equally fascinating study comes from [6]. Here, we note that the authors are interested in the flow of electrical current in employees' bodies when using portable radios.…”

“…In citing two exposure standards, ref. [6] recognized that exposure can lead to thermal effects but that neither the thermal effects nor the density of induced electric currents exceeds the limits presented in the quoted standards. Here, the authors did not just use the approach of modelling a system and then simulating it; instead, they took two experimental measurements (linked in one theme) and a simulation-based study:…”