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Power-frequency magnetic fields from electric blankets.
1Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Health Physics
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Electric blankets generate power-frequency magnetic fields, with typical whole-body averages around 2.2 microtesla (microT). These fields vary significantly based on blanket design and body position, reaching higher levels closer to the blanket.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Electromagnetism
- Public Health
Background:
- Electric blankets are common household items that generate power-frequency magnetic fields.
- Understanding human exposure to these fields is crucial for public health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate magnetic field exposure from electric blankets using computational modeling.
- To analyze the influence of blanket design and user geometry on magnetic field intensity within the human body.
Main Methods:
- A three-dimensional computer model was utilized to simulate magnetic fields based on electric blanket designs.
- Calculations considered factors such as blanket type, body size, body-blanket separation, and lateral body position.
Main Results:
- Simulated flux densities varied from tenths of microtesla (microT) on the far side of the body to tens of microtesla on the near side.
- Local field intensity minima approaching zero were observed within the body due to field superposition.
- Whole-body averaged flux densities ranged from 1.5-3.3 microT, with a typical value of 2.2 microT.
Conclusions:
- The study quantifies magnetic field exposure from electric blankets, demonstrating significant spatial variation within the human form.
- Computational modeling provides a valuable tool for assessing electromagnetic field exposure from consumer products.