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Possible health benefits from reducing occupational magnetic fields
Joseph D Bowman1, Tapas K Ray, Robert M Park
1Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. jbowman@cdc.gov
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|November 7, 2012
Summary
Reducing workplace magnetic field (MF) exposure may prevent cancer and offer significant societal benefits. A 1 µT reduction in MF exposure is valued at over $5,000 per worker, highlighting the importance of managing occupational exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Alternating current (AC) magnetic fields (MF) are classified as a possible human carcinogen.
- Epidemiologic evidence suggests risks even at exposures below current occupational limits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cancer cases prevented by reducing occupational MF exposures.
- To determine the societal monetary benefits of lowering workplace MF exposure.
- To inform government guidance on occupational MF management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized life-table methods to calculate Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
- Converted DALYs into monetary values to represent societal benefits.
- Adjusted results for probabilities of causality.
Main Results:
- A 1 µT reduction in average worklife MF exposure is associated with a 0.04 year increase in disability-free life.
- This MF reduction translates to approximately $5,100 per worker in societal benefits (2010 USD).
- Reducing exposures for nine electrosteel workers from 13.8 µT to ambient levels yielded an estimated $600,000 societal benefit.
Conclusions:
- The analysis provides a framework for precautionary recommendations on managing occupational MF exposures.
- Monetary benefits of reducing MF exposure support the economic rationale for implementing control measures.
- Findings aid in formulating evidence-based occupational health and safety guidelines.
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