Evaluation of Exposure Assessment Methods and Procedures for Induction Hobs (Stoves)

Abstract

Category: Bioelectromagnetics, Exposure Assessment Tags: induction hobs, magnetic fields, exposure assessment, electromagnetic safety, household appliances, IEC standards, contact current DOI: 10.1002/bem.70024 URL: onlinelibrary.wiley.com Overview Induction hobs generate strong alternating magnetic fields to heat pots by inducing eddy currents. These fields are strongest close to the bottom of the cookware, but stray fields at larger distances can still be substantial. Notably, these values often exceed reference levels set by international electromagnetic exposure safety guidelines (ICNIRP 1998; ICNIRP 2010; IEEE 2019). Importantly, while exceeding reference levels doesn't always mean basic restrictions are violated, the link to potential health risks from electromagnetic fields should not be dismissed. Findings - The study evaluated exposures from modern induction hobs using advanced instrumentation and methods, including IEC household appliance standards (IEC 62233), approaches for wireless power transfer systems (IEC 63184), and their variants. - Researchers assessed maximum exposure configurations, mapped 3D magnetic field distributions with a scanning system, measured contact currents, and performed numerical dosimetric evaluations in anatomical models for realistic exposure estimation. - There are significant variations in user exposure across different induction hobs, with differences exceeding a factor of 20 (or greater than 26 dB), depending on power, coil size, and distance from the coil. - Low-exposure hobs can be designed without compromising cooking performance, indicating a clear pathway to reduce potential health risks associated with EMF exposure from these appliances. - The widely used IEC 62233 standard may underestimate user exposure by more than a factor of 30—potentially leaving users unprotected—highlighting the urgent need for revision to improve safety, especially for people standing next to the hob. - Dosimetric analysis is the most accurate method for exposure assessment, but it is relatively costly. The study discusses cost-effective alternatives derived from IEC 63184 that are less conservative and feasible for broader application. Conclusion - Design modifications—such as using smaller heating coils—allow for significant reduction in EMF exposure without loss of cooking efficiency. - Current international product standards may provide a false sense of safety by significantly underestimating real user exposure to electromagnetic fields and should be updated. - Conservative and affordable approaches from IEC 63184 and IEC 60990 demonstrate how compliance with exposure limits for both incident and induced fields and contact currents can be achieved, supporting better health protection.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The study evaluated exposure from modern induction hobs using measurements (including 3D scanning), contact current measurements, and numerical dosimetry, and reported large variation in user exposure across devices (differences exceeding a factor of 20). It reports that the IEC 62233 standard may underestimate user exposure by more than a factor of 30, and that design changes (e.g., smaller heating coils) can reduce exposure without compromising cooking performance; it also discusses more feasible alternative assessment approaches derived from IEC 63184.

Outcomes measured

• 3D magnetic field distribution (stray fields)
• user exposure variability across induction hobs
• contact currents
• numerical dosimetric evaluation in anatomical models
• performance of exposure assessment standards/methods (IEC 62233, IEC 63184, IEC 60990) relative to exposure estimation

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.62)
  Abstract explicitly references ICNIRP guideline reference levels and discusses compliance/underestimation relative to international exposure guidance.

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    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "induction hobs (stoves)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": null,
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "3D magnetic field distribution (stray fields)",
        "user exposure variability across induction hobs",
        "contact currents",
        "numerical dosimetric evaluation in anatomical models",
        "performance of exposure assessment standards/methods (IEC 62233, IEC 63184, IEC 60990) relative to exposure estimation"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The study evaluated exposure from modern induction hobs using measurements (including 3D scanning), contact current measurements, and numerical dosimetry, and reported large variation in user exposure across devices (differences exceeding a factor of 20). It reports that the IEC 62233 standard may underestimate user exposure by more than a factor of 30, and that design changes (e.g., smaller heating coils) can reduce exposure without compromising cooking performance; it also discusses more feasible alternative assessment approaches derived from IEC 63184.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "induction hobs",
        "magnetic fields",
        "exposure assessment",
        "electromagnetic safety",
        "household appliances",
        "IEC 62233",
        "IEC 63184",
        "IEC 60990",
        "ICNIRP 1998",
        "ICNIRP 2010",
        "IEEE 2019",
        "contact current",
        "dosimetry"
    ],
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