Inventory of MRI applications and workers exposed to MRI- relatedelectromagnetic fields in the Netherlands

摘要

Objective: This study aims to characterise and quantify the population that is occupationally exposed toelectromagnetic fields (EMF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and to identify factors thatdetermine the probability and type of exposure.Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey was used to collect information about scanners, proce-dures, historical developments and employees working with or near MRI scanners in clinical and researchMRI departments in the Netherlands.Results: Data were obtained from 145 MRI departments. A rapid increase in the use of MRI and fieldstrength of the scanners was observed and quantified. The strongest magnets were employed by academichospitals and research departments. Approximately 7000 individuals were reported to be working insidean MRI scanner room and were thus considered to have high probability of occupational exposure to staticmagnetic fields (SMF). Fifty-four per cent was exposed to SMF at least one day per month. The largestoccupationally exposed group were radiographers (n ? 1700). Nine per cent of the 7000 involved workerswere regularly present inside a scanner room during image acquisition, when exposure to additional typesof EMF is considered a possibility. This practice was most prevalent among workers involved in scanninganimals.Conclusion: The data illustrate recent trends and historical developments in magnetic resonance imag-ing and provide an extensive characterisation of the occupationally exposed population. A considerablenumber of workers are potentially exposed to MRI-related EMF. Type and frequency of potential exposuredepend on the job performed, as well as the type of workplace.