[Optimization of methods for measurement and assessment of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in physiotherapy (SW diathermy)].

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists commonly use high-frequency (HF) electromagnetic field (EMF) units for therapeutic heating, whereas they are a source of strong EM fields. High EMF intensity values in places, where physiotherapists perform their occupational duties, require frequent measurements and their exposure must be monitored. Such procedures are obligatory and expensive, but they do not improve working conditions of physiotherapists. The aim of the study was to update the knowledge of actual exposure of physiotherapists to EMF and optimize methodical and decisive procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EMF strength was measured in close proximity of twenty diathermy (SW) units, and in places usually occupied by physiotherapists. Modern digital-readout equipment was used for the measurements. It allowed us to identify the resultant EMF spectrum and to manage the measurement results. Values of the induced current, I(L), in the limbs of 16 physiotherapists were measured. RESULTS: The highest values of EMF strengths were measured for the whole body of the physiotherapist at the console, to 200 V/m and 0.20 A/m, and at the electrodes, to 180 V/m and 0.40 A/m. During intervention procedures, the physiotherapist's hands were exposed to 900 V/m and 2.0 A/m EMF. The maximum value of the exposure W indicator for routine operations was as high as 0.32, and for intervention procedures as high as 1.67. The maximum intensities of induced currents measured in the physioterapist's upper limbs during intervention procedures were up to 120 mA, depending on individual person. CONCLUSIONS: The results have confirmed the high EMF strength values occurring in the real conditions of the work environment of physiotherapists performing routine procedures. High intensity values of currents induced in the limbs of the physiotherapist performing intervention procedures represent a real threat in 25% of cases. The existing obligatory annual monitoring procedures are expensive and completely fail to offer any protection against EMF. The authors of this paper propose to implement a two-stage (obligatory and facultative) monitoring and measurement system.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

EMF strengths near 20 shortwave diathermy units reached up to 200 V/m and 0.20 A/m at the console, up to 180 V/m and 0.40 A/m at electrodes, and during intervention procedures hands were exposed up to 900 V/m and 2.0 A/m. The maximum exposure indicator W was 0.32 for routine operations and 1.67 for intervention procedures; induced currents in upper limbs during intervention procedures were up to 120 mA. The authors conclude that induced limb currents during intervention procedures represent a real threat in 25% of cases and propose a two-stage monitoring system instead of existing annual monitoring procedures.

Outcomes measured

• Electric field strength (V/m)
• Magnetic field strength (A/m)
• Exposure indicator W
• Induced limb current I(L) (mA)

Limitations

• Frequency of the HF/SW diathermy fields not specified in the abstract
• Health outcomes were not measured; assessment is based on exposure metrics and inferred risk
• Sample size for induced current measurements was limited (16 physiotherapists)
• Details of measurement protocol, calibration, and representativeness across workplaces not provided in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.95)
  Measures and assesses workplace EMF exposure among physiotherapists using diathermy equipment.

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "occupational",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Physiotherapists using shortwave (SW) diathermy units",
    "sample_size": 16,
    "outcomes": [
        "Electric field strength (V/m)",
        "Magnetic field strength (A/m)",
        "Exposure indicator W",
        "Induced limb current I(L) (mA)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "EMF strengths near 20 shortwave diathermy units reached up to 200 V/m and 0.20 A/m at the console, up to 180 V/m and 0.40 A/m at electrodes, and during intervention procedures hands were exposed up to 900 V/m and 2.0 A/m. The maximum exposure indicator W was 0.32 for routine operations and 1.67 for intervention procedures; induced currents in upper limbs during intervention procedures were up to 120 mA. The authors conclude that induced limb currents during intervention procedures represent a real threat in 25% of cases and propose a two-stage monitoring system instead of existing annual monitoring procedures.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Frequency of the HF/SW diathermy fields not specified in the abstract",
        "Health outcomes were not measured; assessment is based on exposure metrics and inferred risk",
        "Sample size for induced current measurements was limited (16 physiotherapists)",
        "Details of measurement protocol, calibration, and representativeness across workplaces not provided in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "physiotherapy",
        "shortwave diathermy",
        "occupational exposure",
        "high-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "electric field strength",
        "magnetic field strength",
        "induced current",
        "monitoring procedures"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.9499999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Measures and assesses workplace EMF exposure among physiotherapists using diathermy equipment."
        }
    ]
}

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