Assessment of hazard to employees with implants in conditions of occupation exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by sources introduced into the working environment by modern technologies

Project manager: Andrzej Krawczyk prof. Ph.D. (Eng.), D.Sc. (Eng.)

Project summary:

The task consisted in an analysis of workstations in the aspect of the emission of an electromagnetic field and literature reports that indicate hazard to stimulators. Tests with electromedical equipment as a generator of an electromagnetic field that can stimulate workstations were conducted, too.The authors conducted their own computer simulations and in vitro tests. The mathematical model was based on Maxwell's equations, which describe the distribution of an electromagnetic field in lossy dielectric space. The computer model was based on the method of finite differences in time domain (FDTD).The results of the computer simulation indicate that the intensity of the electric component of the electromagnetic field emitted by equipment operating with a radio frequency can exceed values from IEC regulations.In vitro tests conducted with physiotherapy equipment revealed significant interference of a cardiac pacemaker signal for 200 V/m, the limit value for a dangerous zone. A guide with practical recommendations was developed for users of cardiac pacemakers and physicians/physiotherapists.

Unit: Department of Bioelectromagnetism

Duration: 01.01.2005 – 31.12.2007