ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: So many electronic devices have been introduced in the operating room. However, little was known about the hazards of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to the human body. We have studied about how much the anesthesiologists are exposed to EMF. METHODS: In 19 operating rooms of our hospital, the intensity of magnetic fields was measured by an ELF (Extremely low frequency) field strength measurement system. The distances were 30 cm, 50 cm and the anesthesiologist's proximity to the monitoring devices. RESULTS: The average strength of 19 operating rooms were 2.22 +/- 1.13 mG at 30 cm from the monitors, 1.29 +/- 0.84 mG at 50 cm and 1.00 +/- 0.78 mG at the anesthesiologist's stand. CONCLUSIONS: We found that in some of our operating rooms the exposure to EMF was measured above Sweden's TCO limit which has been accepted as the EMF radiation rule for computer monitors. Although the hazards of EMF have not been definitely confirmed yet, the effort not to be exposed to EMF should be considered by anesthesiologists.