[The evaluation of the exposure of seamstresses to electromagnetic fields, emitted by sewing machines]

The authors present the results of the first phase of the studies on the risk of pregnancy complications in semesters and on their work environment with special reference to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by various types of industrial sewing machines. EMF measurements were taken in the surrounding of 464 sewing machines used in five sewing works in the region of Lodź. The results obtained provided evidence that semesters++ working with industrial sewing machines were exposed to EMF of 60 Hz. Thirteen types of machines were identified. Having based on the statistical analysis (analysis of variance) it was found that individual types of sewing machines emit substantially different EMFs. Depending on the level of EMF emitted at a given workpost, all the machines were classified into three groups: those with weak (O A/m-1.5 A/m); medium (2 A/m-4 A/m); and strong (9 A/m-16 A/m) emissions.