Collection of occupational EMF exposure data in Poland. Concept of the structure and functioning

An outline of the structure and operation principles of the database on EMF-producing devices used in Poland at frequencies ranging between 0.1 MHz and 300,000 MHz have been developed at the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz. The primary objective of developing the EMF DATABASE is to ensure continuous and systematic collection of data on: quantities and types of devices and their specifications, EMF intensities produced, number of people exposed, exposure levels in absolute terms or according to specified criteria (gradation) or standards currently in force, etc. The EMF DATABASE structure is based on such a method of data collection which ensures that information searching is effected according to specified lists of parameters essential for a given main entry. The EMF DATABASE has been designed so as to ensure that it is possible to obtain as quickly as possible the desired information covering desired scope (for example cities, regions, whole country, field of application, device type, etc.). The information is presented in the form of a report, and the content of the report may differ, according to the requirements of the user. The structure of the EMF DATABASE is open to permit its extension. The DATABASE, therefore, provides the possibility of adding new data, and verifying the criteria adopted to assess exposures to EMFs. At the same time it constitutes a fundamental tool for the SYSTEM OF EMF EXPOSURE MINITORING, and a rich source of information about the subject. At the present stage of its development, the DATABASE structure and its functioning are being tested on a pilot scale. The paper presents the diagram of the DATABASE operation and some examples of information received in the form of reports.