Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields near 20 kV, 3-phase shunt reactors at substations

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-152
Author(s):  
H. Pirkkalainen ◽  
T. Heiskanen ◽  
M. Penttilä ◽  
J. Elovaara ◽  
L. Korpinen
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Magnetic Flux Density ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Action Value ◽  
Shunt Reactors

Directive 2013/35/EU of the European Parliament and Council, among other things, sets values for the occupational exposure of workers regarding the health and safety risks arising from electromagnetic fields. In order to ensure worker safety, the Finnish national grid operator, Fingrid Oyj, conducted several measurements of electromagnetic fields at its substations. One of the goals of the measurements was to ensure that a magnetic flux density of 1000 µT (rms), set as the lower action value by the EU directive, was not reached in any location accessible to substation workers. The highest magnetic flux densities at substations can be found near shunt reactors and their cables, which is why the measurements were focused on those areas. The lower action value of 1000 µT (rms) was surpassed at two locations. This discovery led to immediate actions to prevent workers from accessing these locations.

scholarly journals Biological Effects of a Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on Yeast Cells of the Genus Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
K Sladicekova ◽  
M Bereta ◽  
J Misek ◽  
D Parizek ◽  
J Jakus
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Electromagnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Flux Density ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Magnetic Flux Density ◽  
Time Points

Abstract Background: Although the scientific community is extensively concerned with the effects of the EMF, the unambiguous explanation of its effects on living structures is still lacking. Goals: The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the growth and multiplication of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods: Yeast cells were exposed to a frequency of 900 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 2.3 mT. The duration of each experiment was 8 hours, in the beginning of the measurement the value of frequency, rms (root mean square) value of electric current (2 A), and magnetic flux density were fixed set on the exposure device. A paired experiment was performed, a sample exposed to EMF, and a sample shielded from the field. Subsequently, samples were taken every two hours, the number of cells was recorded, and then the concentration of the yeast cells was evaluated at time points. The time points reflected the exposure time of the samples exposed to EMF. Results: The results indicate that LF EMF at given parameters has an inhibitory effect on the growth and multiplication of yeast cells. Conclusion: Exposure to EMF can cause the differences in growth dynamics between cells exposed to the field and the unexposed ones.

scholarly journals Modification ofS. cerevisiaeGrowth Dynamics Using Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in the 1-2 kHz Range

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ján Barabáš ◽  
Roman Radil ◽  
Ivona Malíková
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Proliferative Response ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Magnetic Flux Density ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Resonance Theory

This paper details our further experiments pertaining to the influence of low frequency electromagnetic fields (LF EMF) on the growth dynamics of two wild-typeSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrands. We opted to explore frequencies beyond the usual 50–60 Hz range, motivated by the ion parametric resonance theory and several studies which discovered and recorded endogenous biosignals in variousSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrands in the 0.4–2.0 kHz frequency range, most probably stemming from microtubules. Both yeast strands used in our experiments have been subjected to continuous 66-hour session of LF EMF exposure (frequencies 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 kHz; average magnetic flux density 2.43 mT) under identical ambient conditions. Experiment results indicate a frequency-dependent proliferative response of both yeast strands.

STAKEHOLDERS READINESS TO IMPLEMENT NEW LEGISLATION ON OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Tarmo Koppel ◽  
Inese Vilcane
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Electromagnetic Fields ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Member States ◽  
National Legislation ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

– European companies are expected to check their compliance with a new legislation about occupational exposure to the electromagnetic fields . Corresponding EU directive was issued in 2013 and was to be implemented into the national legislation of member states by 2016. The current study was launched with the aim to determine the readiness of the companies and other stakeholders affected by this new legislation. The target groups investigated by this study include workers, working environment specialists, occupational health doctors and labour inspectors. A questionnaire was developed to determine the level of knowledge and other issues introduced by the new legislation. Altogether 67 responses was received from Estonia. Significant shortcomings were reported in regard to the training of workers at high EMF workplaces/companies - score 0,15 out of 1. EMF safety arrangements, as described in the new directive, were reported to be sufficiently fulfilled only in 11 per cent of the high EMF companies. Also the workers' knowledge about the EMFs propagation and health effects was low, averaging at only 0,15 out of 1. The results indicate that at present little attention is paid on training the workers that may be affected by high levels of EMFs. Shortcomings are characteristic to all sizes of companies but are less evident in large companies. Considering the requirements of the new EMF legislation, immediate planning of appropriate schooling programs is necessary for all parties involved.

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