Non-ionizing Radiation in Swedish Health Care—Exposure and Safety Aspects

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to identify and describe methods using non-ionizing radiation (NIR) such as electromagnetic fields (EMF) and optical radiation in Swedish health care. By examining anticipated exposure levels and by identifying possible health hazards we also aimed to recognize knowledge gaps in the field. NIR is mainly used in health care for diagnosis and therapy. Three applications were identified where acute effects cannot be ruled out: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrosurgery. When using optical radiation, such as class 3 and 4 lasers for therapy or surgical procedures and ultra-violet light for therapy, acute effects such as unintentional burns, photo reactions, erythema and effects on the eyes need to be avoided. There is a need for more knowledge regarding long-term effects of MRI as well as on the combination of different NIR exposures. Based on literature and after consulting staff we conclude that the health care professionals’ knowledge about the risks and safety measures should be improved and that there is a need for clear, evidence-based information from reliable sources, and it should be obvious to the user which source to address.

Exposure levels of radiofrequency magnetic fields and static magnetic fields in 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI units

“…The difference exist between 1.5 and 3.0 T scanners as well as different scan procedures performed. This is in agreement with the findings made by Frankel et al [3], Frankel et al [41] and Hansson-Mild et al [42]. Their results suggest that RF fields vary per strength of the scanner and the variation is influenced by the RF pulse design and sequence settings-flip angle.…”

Special Issue: “Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications”

“…A couple of other relevant papers are collected in this special issue that address the topic of the extrapolation of the outcome of animal studies to humans [13], and the identification and description of methods using non-ionizing radiation (NIR) such as EMF and optical radiation in Swedish health care [14]. Specifically, Kodera and Hirata computationally estimated the thermal time constants of temperature elevation in human head and rat models exposed to dipole antennas at 3–10 GHz [13], while Hansson Mild and coworkers identified three applications in Swedish health care (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and electrosurgery) where acute effects at existing exposure levels could not be ruled out [14].…”

“…Specifically, Kodera and Hirata computationally estimated the thermal time constants of temperature elevation in human head and rat models exposed to dipole antennas at 3–10 GHz [13], while Hansson Mild and coworkers identified three applications in Swedish health care (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and electrosurgery) where acute effects at existing exposure levels could not be ruled out [14]. …”

3D-MRI Brain Tumor Detection Model Using Modified Version of Level Set Segmentation Based on Dragonfly Algorithm

“…Furthermore, MRI can differentiate soft tissue and detect small changes in tissue density and physiological mutations associated with tumors [3,4]. Moreover, an advantage of the use of MRI scans for brain tumor diagnosis is that the procedure does not rely on the an advantage of the use of MRI scans for brain tumor diagnosis is that the procedure does not rely on the use of ionizing radiation [5,6]. In general, an MRI image of the brain consists of 3D scans of the human brain or a sampling of the brain structure in three different dimensions (see Figure 2).…”

“…Two methods have been proposed to deal with volumetric input. The first of these uses an advantage of the use of MRI scans for brain tumor diagnosis is that the procedure does not rely on the use of ionizing radiation [5,6]. In general, an MRI image of the brain consists of 3D scans of the human brain or a sampling of the brain structure in three different dimensions (see Figure 2).…”