Hygienic Studies of Electromagnetic Fields in the Work Environment during Operation of Ground-Based Radio Navigation and Aircraft Landing

Abstract

Introduction: The development of navigation support for flights takes place in an environment of constantly increasing intensity of aeronautics, stricter requirements for accuracy, volume, and reliability of navigation information, efficiency of its processing. Radio navigation aids are improving, thus necessitating assessment of the electromagnetic situation at the workplaces of the personnel servicing modern equipment. Objective: To study and assess electromagnetic fields in the work environment of personnel engaged in the maintenance and operation of modern means of radio navigation and aircraft landing. Materials and methods: The research was carried out at three civil aviation facilities (two airports and an airfield) in 2021–2022. We established the composition, technical characteristics of the equipment, its operating modes, and parameters of radio frequency signals and measured the levels of electromagnetic fields at workplaces using the P3–42 electromagnetic radiation level meter. Results: The personnel are exposed to multi-frequency modulated electromagnetic fields of varying intensity. During the operation of glide and course radio beacons, radio transmitting devices at the dispatchers’ workplaces, levels of energy flux density and electric field strength exceeding hygienic standards are not created. In the premises of the hardware remote and near drive beacons, during the operation of the drive automatic radio station, an excess of the hygienic standards for the intensity of the electric field of the medium-wave range established for an 8-hour working day was registered; in the territory, the radiation from the antennas did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. Conclusions: The professional activity of the personnel servicing modern means of radio navigation and aircraft landing is carried out in a complex electromagnetic environment. A specific feature of working conditions is the effect on the body of multi-frequency, modulated electromagnetic fields of varying intensity and duration of exposure. These characteristics of radio frequency signals are essential adverse parameters that affect the formation of body responses. When choosing devices measuring the levels of electromagnetic fields, it is necessary to take into account the modulation parameters of radio frequency signals.