Ambient RF-EMF exposure in surgical operating rooms from telecommunication antennas and Wi-Fi sources.

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have characterized ambient exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in various environments. In hospitals, operating rooms accommodate many professionals for extended periods, often with waiting times during which mobile devices connected to wireless networks are used. These conditions could increase workers' exposure during surgical procedures. This study aimed to characterize ambient RF-EMF exposure during surgical operations in 15 operating rooms at the General University Hospital and the Perpetuo Socorro Hospital in Albacete (Spain). Measurements were conducted using a Satimo EME Spy 140 exposimeter between 10 January and 3 March 2020. The device was configured to record data every 5 s from 08:30 to 15:00, selecting only periods corresponding to ongoing surgical operations. The exposimeter was mounted on a plastic tripod in a preferably central and unobstructed location, keeping a reasonable distance from walls and electronic equipment. In total, 67 surgical procedures were monitored, representing 120 h and 45 min of measurement. The highest recorded mean value was 58.82 μW/m on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. The exposure levels observed were comparable to those reported in other European studies conducted in indoor microenvironments. In all operating rooms analyzed, ambient exposure remained below 0.4% of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, 2020) reference level, even under the least favorable conditions regarding the number of people or devices present.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Ambient RF-EMF exposure was characterized in 15 operating rooms during 67 surgical procedures (120 h 45 min). The highest recorded mean value was 58.82 μW/m on the 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi band. In all operating rooms, exposure remained below 0.4% of the ICNIRP (2020) reference level, including under least favorable conditions regarding number of people/devices.

Outcomes measured

• Ambient RF-EMF exposure levels during surgical operations
• Mean exposure by band (including 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi)
• Comparison to ICNIRP (2020) reference levels

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.9)
  Measures ambient RF-EMF exposure in operating rooms where professionals spend extended periods during work.
• who-icnirp (0.6)
  Reports exposure relative to ICNIRP (2020) reference levels.

{
    "study_type": "exposure_assessment",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "telecommunication antennas and Wi‑Fi",
        "frequency_mhz": 2400,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "08:30–15:00 monitoring; 67 procedures totaling 120 h 45 min (data every 5 s)"
    },
    "population": "Surgical operating rooms (hospital workers present during procedures) in two hospitals in Albacete, Spain",
    "sample_size": 67,
    "outcomes": [
        "Ambient RF-EMF exposure levels during surgical operations",
        "Mean exposure by band (including 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi)",
        "Comparison to ICNIRP (2020) reference levels"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Ambient RF-EMF exposure was characterized in 15 operating rooms during 67 surgical procedures (120 h 45 min). The highest recorded mean value was 58.82 μW/m on the 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi band. In all operating rooms, exposure remained below 0.4% of the ICNIRP (2020) reference level, including under least favorable conditions regarding number of people/devices.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "RF-EMF",
        "ambient exposure",
        "operating room",
        "hospital",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "2.4 GHz",
        "telecommunication antennas",
        "exposimeter",
        "Satimo EME Spy 140",
        "ICNIRP 2020",
        "Spain"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Measures ambient RF-EMF exposure in operating rooms where professionals spend extended periods during work."
        },
        {
            "slug": "who-icnirp",
            "weight": 0.59999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Reports exposure relative to ICNIRP (2020) reference levels."
        }
    ]
}

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