Work Related Exposure to EMFs

The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and EC FP6 Coordination Action EMF-NET (EMF-NET) jointly organized the international workshop "Current Trends in Health & Safety Risk Assessment of Work-Related Exposure to EMFs", Milan, Italy, February 14-16, 2007, which was co-sponsored by ISPESL, VITO, ISIB-CNR, CIOP-PIB, ICEmB, NIWL and FIOH.

Risk assessment of work-related exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the implementation of EMF exposure limits to workplaces as requested by the European Directive on protecting workers from health risks of exposure to EMFs involve several practical problems. These include gaps in knowledge on real exposure of workers, and on provisions for appropriate protective measures to reduce exposure and health risks. In addition, practical methods for risk characterisation and exposure assessment on specific workplaces are not well established. The interdisciplinary approach at this workshop aimed at summarizing the current scientific knowledge and the uncertainties in regard to risk assessment of workplaces, which provided the basis for discussion between scientists, national radiation protection authorities and relevant stakeholders.

All frequency ranges, from static fields up to radiofrequency fields, were covered. Special attention was given to the compliance testing and uncertainties in measurements and numerical dosimetry. The particular needs of workers with medical electronic implants and pregnant workers were also discussed.

Abstract and presentations of all lectures are available on this site !

Opening and welcome
P Ravazzani; E van Deventer; P Vecchia

Session 1: Scientific rationale for occupational EMF exposure restrictions - Moderator: KH Mild

P Vecchia
Scientific rationale of ICNIRP guidelines
Abstract - Presentation

P Chadwick
CENELEC standards for occupational EMF exposure
Abstract - Presentation

Session 2: Static and gradient fields - Moderator: P Vecchia

J Karpowicz
Static fields: highly exposed groups (MRI, NMR, electrolysis, etc), limited exposure assessment guidelines
Abstract - Presentation

P Gowland
Exposure and risk assessment of workers in MRI
Abstract - Presentation

Session 3: Low frequency EM fields at medical and industrial workplaces (welding, power stations, induction heating, antitheft devices, etc.) - Moderator: A McKinlay

KH Mild
Encountered problems in ELF exposure assessment of highly exposed groups
Abstract - Presentation

G Decat
Good measurement practice in the exposure assessment of occupational ELF electromagnetic fields
Abstract - Presentation

Session 4: Radiofrequency EM fields at medical and industrial workplaces (RF welding, industrial microwave applications, radar workers, diathermy, etc.) - Moderator: M Hietanen

K Jokela
Evaluation of compliance with SAR limits on the basis of external RF EM-field and current measurements
Abstract - Presentation

G Lotz
Developing a strategy to evaluate and manage occupational exposures to RF-EMF
Abstract - Presentation

Session 5: Numerical dosimetry - Moderator: N Kuster

Y Hamnerius
Uncertainties in assessment of worker exposure of low frequency electric and magnetic fields
Abstract - Presentation

L Catarinucci
Uncertainty in numerical dosimetry in the radiofrequency range
Abstract - Presentation

Session 6: Compliance with the EMF occupational limitations - Moderator: R Matthes

M Sandström
Practical aspects of EMF-management
Abstract - Presentation

M Hietanen
Compliance with the EMF occupational limits: groups with special needs
Abstract - Presentation

Session 7: Policy Issues - Moderator: KH Mild

J Karpowicz
Achievements on exposure assessment of EMF-NET MT WORKEN "EMF exposure related risk in the working environment"
Abstract - Presentation

D Black
Routine medical surveillance and assessment of accidental overexposure incidents
Abstract - Presentation

G Herbillon
Introduction to the EC Directive 2004/40/CE - Obligation of employers (risk assessment, protective measures, worker information and training
Abstract - Presentation

P Rossi
The role of uncertainty in measurements and calculations in the view of risk assessment required from directive 2004/40/CE or other regulation
Abstract - Presentation

Day 3 - February 16, 2007

Stakeholders' Day - The last day will offer the stakeholders working in this area, i.e. representatives of national radioprotection authorities and different industries the possibility to present their current views and needs. Practical experiences on the implementation of national legislation on occupational EMF exposure management are welcome. In addition, some examples of international and national approaches will add new points of view.

Session 8: International guidance and experiences on EMF exposure management - Moderator: P Ravazzani

E van Deventer
NIOSH/WHO/ILO Draft Document on occupational exposure to EMFs
Abstract - Presentation

S Niu
Occupational exposure to EMFs: An ILO perspective
Abstract - Presentation

D Black
New Zealand, Australia - National Approaches and Solutions
Abstract - Presentation

Session 9: Round table
The objective of the Round Table is to exchange different experiences and options for the evaluation and management of occupational EMF exposure - Moderator: P Vecchia

Invited speakers
CLC/TC 26A on welding - G Melton
International Society for MR in Medicine, Safety Committee - S Keevil
European Trade Union Association - R Gauthy
GSM Association - J Rowley
Eurelectric - V de Janeiro
UMICORE - E Degraef
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work - E Brun

Final discussion and conclusions - Rapporteurs : M Repacholi - P Gajšek

Scientific Committee
The scientific committee of the workshop is composed by Paolo Ravazzani, Kjell Hansson Mild, Paolo Vecchia, Maila Hietanen, Emilie van Deventer, Gilbert Decat, Paolo Rossi, Jolanta Karpowicz, and Gunde Ziegelberger.