Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields Exposure: Survey of Recent Findings

Abstract

Extremely Low Frequency Electric (ELF-EF) and Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) exposure is caused by different types of sources, from those related to the production, transmission, and distribution of electric currents, to technologies of common use, such as domestic appliances or electric transportation. Establishing the levels of exposure for general public is a fundamental step in the health risk management process but could be challenging due to differences in the approaches used in different studies. The goal of this study is to present an overview of the last years research efforts (from 2015 to nowadays) about ELF-EF and MF exposure in everyday environments, considering different sources and different approaches used to assess the exposure. All ELF-EMF exposure levels were found to be below the ICNIRP guidelines for general public exposure. The higher MF levels were measured in apartments very close to built-in power transformers. Household electrical devices showed high levels of MF exposure in their proximity, but the duration of such exposure is extremely limited.