Assessment of daily exposure of endodontic personnel to extremely low frequency magnetic fields

Kim DW, Choi JL, Kwon MK, Nam TJ, Lee SJ. Assessment of daily exposure of endodontic personnel to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 744748, 2012. Abstract Aim To measure daily exposure levels to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MFs) in endodontic clinics. Methodology In total, 10 subjects (five endodontic trainees, five hygienists) participated. Each volunteer wore a 60-Hz MF measurement device on the left upper arm during working hours. Measurements were taken continuously throughout the working day except at lunch time. Separate measurements were taken for specific items of equipment at several distances. Results The average MF exposure for the 10 personnel was 0.03 +/- 0.04 micro-Tesla (mu T) (range, 0.016.4 mu T). The average MF exposure of endodontic personnel was lower than that of other hospital personnel according to the literature. Furthermore, all monitored exposure levels were well below the maximum acute exposure level, 500 mu T, recommended by the International Committee on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection for the protection of workers against ELF MFs. However, relatively high levels of exposure occurred in an operating room and X-ray room, presumably as a result of the use of surgical equipment such as microscopes and monitors, various motors and power cables of X-ray machines with large current flows. Conclusions The total average MF exposure level of 0.03 mu T was lower than the typical background level at home. Although high levels of exposure were measured in an operating room and X-ray room, the MF exposure level to dental personnel was minimal during routine endodontic clinical work.