Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields during lessons in secondary schools

Abstract

© The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. Schools are a significant location where children are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which may cause adverse health effects. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine exposure levels to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELFMFs) with a range of 5Hz-32 kHz, and ELF-electric fields (ELF-EFs) with a range of 5Hz-2 kHz in secondary schools in Bangkok, Thailand. This study was conducted in 60 classrooms from three schools during class hours. Spot measurements were taken with a Narda EFA 300 field analyzer to evaluate exposure levels. This study showed that ELF-EMF exposure levels are lower than ICNIRP guidelines, while 21.67% of classrooms had a magnetic field strength above 0.2 μT, and the main sources of ELF-EMFs were electrical equipment and electrical wiring. Future studies should measure ELF-EMF levels in other areas and evaluate the effects of long term exposure to ELF-EMFs on children's health.