Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 93-1120-2429, Akron General Medical Center,Akron, Ohio

摘要

In response to a request from the Medical Director, an investigation was madeinto possible electric and magnetic field exposures to female employees working at the Akron General Medical Center (SIC-8062) in Akron, Ohio. Concern had arisen due to a cluster of conotruncal birth defects (CBD) in the children of three female workers. Measurements of electromagnetic fields (EMF) were made in the intensive care unit and the surgical post anesthesia care unit. The levels of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields ranged from 1.8 to 4.9 volts per meter (V/M) and from 0.1 to 220 milligauss (mG), respectively. The corresponding values for very low frequency electric and magnetic fields were 0.5 to 2.0V/M and 0.1 to 20mG, respectively. All levels were below the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value for subradiofrequency electric and magnetic fields. The measurements taken appeared to be typical of other situations such as small modern office environments and personal residences. The authors conclude that no health hazard existed at the time of the survey from occupational exposures to electric and magnetic fields in these areas of the medical center.