Magnetic field characteristics of electric bed-heating devices

Measurements of the flux density and spectra of magnetic fields (MFs) generated by several types of electric bed heaters (EBH) were made in order to characterize the MFs to which the fetus may be exposed in utero from the mother's use of these devices. Data on MPs were gathered from more than 1,300 in-home and laboratory spot measurements. In-home measurements taken at seven different positions 10 cm from the EBHs determined that the mean flux density at the estimated position of the fetus relative to the device was 0.45 microT (4.5 mG) for electric blankets and 0.20 microT (2.0 mG) for electrically heated water beds. A rate-of-change (RC) metric applied to the nighttime segment of 24 h EMDEX-C personal-dosimeter measurements, which were taken next to the bed of volunteers, yielded an approximate fourfold to sixfold higher value for electric blanket users compared to water-bed heater users. These same data records yielded an approximate twofold difference for the same measurements when evaluated by the time-weighted-average (TWA)MF exposure metric. Performance of exposure meters was checked against standard fields generated in the laboratory, and studies of sources of variance in the in-home measurement protocols were carried out. Spectral measurements showed that the EBH's measured produced no appreciable high-frequency MFs. Data gathered during this work will be used in interpreting results from a component of the California Pregnancy Outcome Study, which evaluates the use of EBHs as a possible risk factor in miscarriage.