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KMID : 1039220220320040381
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2022 Volume.32 No. 4 p.381 ~ p.392
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Brief Review on Exposure Characteristics, Monitoring Instruments and Threshold Limit Values for Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Field (ELF-MF)
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Park Dong-Uk
Lee Seung-Hee
Zoh Kyung-Ehi
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Abstract
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Objectives: Objective of this study is to review briefly exposure characteristics, monitoring instruments and threshold limit values for extremely low frequency-magnetic field (ELF-MF) methods. This study was undertaken through brief literature review. We performed a literature search in PubMed to identify ELF-MF studies conducted in workplaces. Initial search keywords such as ‘extremely low frequency-magnetic field (ELF-MF)’ and ‘electromagnetic fields (EMF)’ combined or singly. We limited our review to occupational rather than general nonworkplace environmental exposures.
Methods: The contents we reviewed: key industry and occupations generating ELF-MF, several directreading instruments monitoring ELF-MF and threshold limit values (TLV) preventing health effects may be caused by the exposure to ELF-MF.
Results: The industries related to the generation and supply of electricity, electrolytic installations, welding, and induction heating and more were regarded as high ELF-MF exposure industries. All jobs handling or employed performed in power cable lines, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment are found to be exposed to ELF-MF. Threshold or ceiling limit, 1,000 μT, is established to prevent acute effects of exposure to low-frequency EMFs on the nervous system: the direct stimulation of nerve and muscle tissues and the induction of retinal phosphenes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ELF-MF as possibly carcinogenic to humans chiefly based on epidemiological studies on childhood leukemia. However, a causal relationship between magnetic fields and several types of cancer including childhood leukemia has not been established nor has any other long-term effects. Risk management using precautionary measures, has been initiated by the US and EU to prevent chronic health efects related to ELF-MF exposure in workplaces.
Conclusion: This study recommends the implementation of various measures such as theestablishment of occupational exposure limit values for ELF-MF and precautionary principle to prevent potential chronic occupational health effects may be caused by ELF-MF in Korea.
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KEYWORD
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extremely low frequency-magnetic field(ELF-MF), electromagnetic fields(EMF), ceiling value
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