Low frequency magnetic fields in the environment

Abstract

Exposure to magnetic fields in the environment has attracted increasing attention ever since the publication of the ICNIRP guidelines. This work focused on exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields in a typical Maltese household. The sources of these fields are typically fridges, microwaves, washing machines, televisions and computers. This is the first study of this kind to be carried out in Malta. ELF magnetic fields were measured, using the NARDA EFA 200 survey meter, in a kitchen, a main bedroom and a spare bedroom and in a yard next to an electricity substation, which is typical of some Maltese living environments. The measured fields were compared with the ICNIRP reference levels for public exposure, which in the measured frequency range, that is between 50 to 60 Hz, are of the order of 0.1 µT. Finally, the results of some studies carried out abroad were compared with the local study carried out in this dissertation.