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Exposure assessment and engineering control strategies for RF fields.

Cardarelli J; Conover D; Lotz W; Kardous C

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, June 1-6, 2002, San Diego, California. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2002 Jun; :4-5

20022318

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an investigation at a fluorescent lamp manufacturing facility as aprt of the Health Hazard Evaluation Program. This facility produces fluorescent lamps of various sizes and wattages that are used throughout the world for standard illumination. One objective of the investigation was to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and recommend control measures for worker (occupational) exposure to 27.12 MHz radio frequency (RF) fields. RF antennas are used to perform quality control by igniting the fluorescent lamps during various steps in the production process. Worker RF exposures were assessed at the facility by traditional electric and magnetic field measurements and state-of-the-art body current measurement techniques. Body current measurement technology is based on the principle that when RF energy is absorbed, RF currents are induced in the body. Wrist and ankle currents (induced and contact) were measured during normal work tasks under four exposure scenarios. The purpose was to assess the engineering control implemented by the company and develop insight into improved control designs.

Exposure-levels; Engineering-controls; Health-hazards; Occupational-exposure; Workers

20020601

Abstract

2002

DSHEFS; DART

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, June 1-6, 2002, San Diego, California

OH; CA