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Potential ocular damage from microwave exposure during electrosurgery: dosimetric survey
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Surgeons may face hazardous microwave radiation exposure from electrosurgery devices, particularly to the eyes. Measured electric and magnetic fields exceeded established safety limits, warranting further health effect assessments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Occupational Health
- Electromagnetic Field Exposure
Background:
- Electrosurgical units (ESUs) are widely used in surgery.
- ESUs generate microwave radiation during operation.
- Potential health risks from occupational exposure to this radiation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microwave radiation levels emitted by ESUs.
- To assess surgeon exposure, especially ocular exposure.
- To compare measured levels against established Threshold Limit Values (TLVs).
Main Methods:
- Conducted a dosimetric survey of microwave radiation in operating rooms.
- Measured electric and magnetic field strengths at specific distances from the active lead of a monopolar ESU.
- Evaluated field strengths at the eye/forehead position.
Main Results:
- Microwave radiation levels from ESUs were found to be potentially hazardous.
- Ocular exposure levels were particularly high.
- Measured electric field strength reached 9.0 x 10^6 V²/M² and magnetic field strength reached 3.5 A²/M² at 20 cm.
- These levels exceeded the TLVs set by the American National Standards Institute.
Conclusions:
- High levels of microwave radiation are emitted by electrosurgery devices.
- Surgeons experience significant occupational exposure, especially to the eyes.
- Immediate attention is needed to assess the health effects of these exposures.