A Narrative Review on Occupational Exposure to Radiofrequency Energy from Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Call for Enactment of Legislation

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide a discourse on the emission of radiofrequency energy, its biological and physiological effects, predominantly on workers during magnetic resonance imaging and how recommended exposure limits and safety recommendations can inform the development of legislation in South Africa. Primarily, this review provides knowledge on the health and safety within the magnetic resonance imaging environment and subsequently creates an understanding of the biological effects on workers, produced by radiofrequency energy and how this can influence political decision in creating legislative framework that can protect the health and safety of health care workers from exposure to electromagnetic fields in South African public hospitals. Exposure limits, particularly specific absorption rates for radiofrequency energy, from different health agencies has been described. This review recognizes that there is a limited literature on the health and safety of medical personnel in respect to exposure from magnetic resonance related fields, correlation between exposure to radiofrequency energy and development of epidemiological effects amongst health care workers.