Occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Electromagnetic Field Exposure
• Radiofrequency Radiation

Background:

• Workplaces utilizing broadcasting, telecommunication, and industrial heating/drying equipment pose risks of high radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) exposure.
• Understanding occupational RF EMF exposure levels is crucial for identifying areas requiring enhanced safety measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review occupational RF EMF exposure measurements from scientific literature.
• To identify specific sources of occupational RF EMF exposure.
• To compare measured exposures against established occupational exposure limits.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed and Scopus databases.
• Collected relevant grey literature through web searches.
• Extracted highest measured electric field strength, magnetic flux density, or power density from each publication.

Main Results:

• Maximum occupational RF EMF exposures exceeded limits for dielectric heating, security scanners, radiofrequency identification, plasma devices, and broadcasting/telecommunication transmitters.
• Exceedances were rare for microwave heating and radar applications.
• Case studies of occupational accidents with thermal health effects were identified for broadcasting antennas, radar, and microwave ovens, often involving maintenance personnel.

Conclusions:

• Certain occupational settings present significant risks of exceeding RF EMF exposure limits.
• Emerging technologies, including fifth-generation telecommunication systems and energy transition applications, necessitate further evaluation of occupational RF EMF exposure.
• Targeted safety interventions are needed for high-risk occupational environments.