How do electromagnetic fields affect workers’ health?

Electromagnetic fields exist around us every day, from household electrical appliances to larger electrical systems in buildings and factories. However, not everyone knows that electromagnetic fields can have negative effects on human health, especially for workers who are frequently exposed to electrical devices.

In this context, the topic “How do electromagnetic fields affect workers’ health?” has become a highly discussed subject in recent years. In this article, we will delve into the negative impacts of electromagnetic fields on workers’ health, as well as preventive measures and ways to reduce these effects.

1. What are Electromagnetic Fields?

Electric field strength: The root mean square (rms) magnitude of the electric field vector E is defined by the force (F) per unit charge (q) at a point in the field, measured in volts per meter (V/m), i.e., units of 1 V/m or kV/m.

Magnetic field strength: The rms magnitude of the magnetic field vector H, expressed in amperes per meter (A/m). Also measured in Tesla or Gauss. 0.1 μT = 1 mG = 80 mA/m.

RF energy flux density: The ratio of RF energy flux per unit surface area (S), measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).

Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (or industrial-frequency EMF) are fields with frequencies below 3 kHz.

High-frequency electromagnetic fields (or radio-frequency EMF) (RF) are fields with frequencies from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

Classification of electromagnetic fields:

• Industrial-frequency EMF are electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 50–60 Hz, voltage 110V–500kV. Generated by static and electronic induction from high-voltage sources (power grid).
• High-frequency EMF are usually generated by radiation sources emitting electromagnetic waves with frequencies of 3 kHz–300 GHz. Ultra-high frequency waves are also included in the radio-frequency EMF category.

2. Sources of Electromagnetic Fields

Industrial-frequency EMF mainly originates from generators, power distribution stations (of power plants), high-voltage lines, transformers, and high-voltage equipment.

High-frequency EMF sources include:

• Information sector:
  • Radio, television, telecommunications, military and aviation radar, meteorology, using different types of transmitters.
  • Radio transmitters from 100 kHz – 300 GHz.
• Non-information sector:
  • Physical therapy areas in hospitals, high-frequency industrial furnaces, electronics technology, etc.
  • High-frequency and ultra-high-frequency transmitters.

3. Occupations at Risk from Electromagnetic Fields

Electrical workers such as power plant operators, transformer station staff, line workers, electricians in all facilities using electricity, …

Other occupations or jobs with exposure to EMF.

4. How Electromagnetic Fields Affect Worker Comfort

Strong electromagnetic fields can affect worker comfort because they may cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and discomfort. Long-term exposure to strong EMF can lead to serious health issues, including:

• Strong EMF can reduce sleep quality.
• Systematic radiation of electromagnetic energy can alter blood pressure and heart rate, leading to fatigue, headaches, etc.
• Memory and concentration decline.
• Long-term exposure to strong EMF may cause serious health problems such as vision impairment, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic disorders.

Therefore, preventive measures and mitigation strategies are necessary to ensure worker health in workplaces with EMF exposure.

5. Permissible Exposure Levels in the Workplace

• Assessment according to QCVN 25:2016/BYT National technical regulation on industrial-frequency EMF – Permissible exposure levels in the workplace:

Table 1. Permissible electric field exposure at work

If workers use protective equipment to prevent the effects of electric fields, the working time in areas with electric fields is regulated according to the specific device used.

Table 2. Permissible magnetic field exposure at work

• Assessment according to QCVN 21:2016/BYT National technical regulation on high-frequency EMF – Permissible high-frequency EMF exposure in the workplace:

Table 1. Permissible high-frequency EMF intensity at work

Notes:

• • ⁽¹⁾ Workplace electric and magnetic field values can be obtained from spatially averaged samples over a nominal area of 30 cm x 30 cm.
  • Permissible high-frequency EMF values are averaged over any 6-minute period of the workday.
  • ⁽²⁾ Within these frequency ranges, measuring power density in this unit is not suitable.
  • ⁽³⁾ f is frequency in MHz.

6. Diseases Caused by Long-Term Exposure to Harmful EMF

Long-term exposure to strong EMF may cause occupational diseases, including:

• Strong EMF may cause cancers such as brain cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, skin cancer, etc.
• Exposure to strong EMF may cause neurological disorders, including headaches, insomnia, fatigue, etc.
• Impaired reproductive function, including poor sperm health and reduced fertility in men, menstrual problems, and infertility in women.
• Cardiovascular dysfunction, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure.

To ensure workers’ health, preventive measures and reduction of EMF exposure are necessary. Personal protective measures such as protective masks and anti-static clothing are recommended to minimize exposure.

7. Measures to Reduce EMF Impact on Workers’ Health

To reduce EMF impacts on workers’ health, the following measures can be applied:

• Design the workplace to avoid strong EMF exposure, using anti-static materials or magnetic shields.
• Limit work time when tasks involve EMF exposure.
• Use protective equipment such as anti-static clothing and masks to minimize exposure.
• Maintain a safe distance between workers and EMF sources.
• Worker training: Train workers on protective measures to safeguard their health in EMF environments.
• Regularly conduct workplace environment monitoring to identify and reduce harmful factors, preventing occupational diseases.

8. National Labor Environment Monitoring Center

Nam Viet Labor Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring workplace environmental quality throughout Vietnam. With experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.

REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE

Besides monitoring services, the center assists clients in planning, managing, and tracking workplace environmental issues. With the motto “customer-centric,” the center prioritizes customer satisfaction, meets all client needs, and provides optimal solutions.

With investments in technology, equipment, and personnel, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to:

• Uphold the brand reputation and service quality.
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• Work with experienced MScs and engineers aiming to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

• With Nam Viet’s monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the field, along with the best cost incentives.

9. Workplace Environment Monitoring Pricing

To help businesses perform professional and effective workplace environment monitoring, Nam Viet provides a pricing table for monitoring services with quality and reasonable costs.

• Our pricing table details the costs of monitoring services, including transportation, measurement, analysis, and reporting. Clients can trust the accuracy and reliability of our reports.
• We commit to offering competitive and fair prices while providing fast and professional consultation for any questions about monitoring services.
• With Nam Viet’s pricing table, clients can easily choose services suitable to their needs. We guarantee the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.