El-Marakby, F. (2012). Personal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Household Electrical Appliances in Alexandria. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 42(2), 224-234. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2012.20134
Fadia El-Marakby. "Personal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Household Electrical Appliances in Alexandria". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 42, 2, 2012, 224-234. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2012.20134
El-Marakby, F. (2012). 'Personal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Household Electrical Appliances in Alexandria', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 42(2), pp. 224-234. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2012.20134
El-Marakby, F. Personal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Household Electrical Appliances in Alexandria. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2012; 42(2): 224-234. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2012.20134
Personal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Household Electrical Appliances in Alexandria
Occupational Health and Air pollution Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Abstract
Background: While the benefits of electricity in everyday life are unquestionable, the public becomes increasingly concerned about the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) at the power frequencies from common household current at 50-60 Hz range. Electromagnetic fields at homes depend on many factors including the distance from the local power lines, the number and type of electrical appliances in use at home, and the configuration and position of household electrical wiring. Objective: To determine levels of exposure to EMF at home. Methods: Thirteen electrical appliances which are most commonly used at home were selected. For each appliance two sets of measurements were taken. The first set was at a distance of 3 centimeters (cm) and the second set was at a distance of 100 cm. Results: The highest level of EMF was obtained from the vacuum machine and the hair dryer with a range of 154.6-198.3mG and 129.9-183.1mG respectively. Levels emitted from the CRT monitor were much more than those emitted from the LCD one. Field levels were substantially greater at small distances but they decreased rapidly with distance. There was a statistically significant difference between levels of electric appliances and background EMF except for terrestrial phone. Conclusion: People live in a bowl of electromagnetic radiation which affects the body. General consumption of electricity should be managed and unused electric appliances should be unplugged.
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