Human Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation from Indoor Distributed Antenna System: Shopping Mall Measurement Analysis.

It is crucial to monitor the levels of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) to which the general population may be exposed and compare them to the limits defined in the current standards, in view of the rapid rise of communication services and the prospects of a connected society. A high number of people visits shopping malls and since these locations usually have several indoor antennas close to the public, it is therefore a kind of place that must be evaluated. Thus, this work presents measurements of the electric field in a shopping mall located in Natal, Brazil. We proposed a set of six measurement points, following two criteria: places with great the flow of people and the presence of one or more Distributed Antenna System (DAS), co-sited or not with WiFi access points. Results are presented and discussed in terms of the distance to DAS (conditions: near and far) and flow density of people in the mall (scenarios: low and high number of people). The highest peaks of electric field measured were 1.96 and 3.26 V/m, respectively corresponding to 5% and 8% of the limits defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL).

A radiation free alternative to CBCT volumetric rendering for soft tissue evaluation / Um método alternativo à TCFC sem radiação ionizante para a avaliação de tecidos moles da face

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate whether a "radiation free" method using 3D facial scan can replace Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) volumetric rendering of soft tissue of the patient to assess maxillofacial surgery outcomes and compare the reference points and angular measurements of patient facial soft tissue. Material and Methods: Facial soft tissue scan of the patient's face, before and after orthognathic surgery and a CBCT of the skull for volumetric rendering of soft tissues were carried out. The 3D acquisitions were processed using Planmeca ProMax 3D ProFace® software (Planmeca USA, Inc.; Roselle, Illinois, USA). The participant were positioned in a natural position during the skull scannering. Three sagittal angular measurements were performed (Tr-NA, Tr-N-Pg, Ss-N-Pg) and two verticals (Go-N-Me, Tr-Or-Pg) on facial soft tissue scan and on the patient's 3D soft tissue CBCT volumetric rendering. Results: A certain correspondence has been demonstrated between the measurements obtained on the Proface and those on the CBCT. Conclusion: A radiation free method was to be considered an important diagnostic tool that works in conditions of not subjecting the patient to harmful ionizing radiation and it was therefore particularly suitable for growing subjects. The soft tissue analysis based on the realistic facial scan has shown sufficient reliability and reproducibility even if further studies are needed to confirm the research result.(AU)

Objetivo:Avaliar se um método "livre de radiação" usando escaneamento facial 3D pode substituir a renderização volumétrica da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) dos tecidos moles do paciente para analisar os resultados da cirurgia maxilofacial e comparar os pontos de referência e medições angulares afim de avaliar a correspondência entre as duas metodologias. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado o escaneamento dos tecidos moles faciais do paciente, antes e depois da cirurgia ortognática e uma tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico do crânio para renderização volumétrica dos tecidos moles. As aquisições 3D foram processadas usando o software Planmeca ProMax 3D ProFace® (Planmeca USA, Inc.; Roselle, Illinois, USA). O participante foi posicionado em posição natural durante o escaneamento do crânio. Três medições angulares sagitais foram realizadas (Tr-NA, Tr-N-Pg, Ss-N-Pg) e duas verticais (Go-N-Me, Tr-Or-Pg) nas imagens de scaneamento e nas imagens do tecido mole facial da reconstrução tridimensional da TCFC. Resultados: Uma certa correspondência foi demonstrada entre as medidas obtidas no Proface® e aquelas na TCFC. Conclusão: Um método livre de radiação deve ser considerado uma importante ferramenta de diagnóstico que funciona em condições de não submeter o paciente a radiação ionizante nociva e, portanto, é particularmente adequado para indivíduos em crescimento. A análise de tecidos moles com base na varredura facial realista mostrou confiabilidade e reprodutibilidade, porém mais estudos são necessários para confirmar o resultado da pesquisa. (AU)

Mutagenicity in oral cells of individuals exposed to radiofrequency generated by different smartphones

Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether non-ionizing radiation emitted by smartphones is likely to cause genotoxic effects on oral epithelial cells. Methods: Thirty adults were distributed into two groups according to the mobile phone brand used, namely Samsung (Samsung, Seoul, South Korea) and Apple (Apple, California, USA). The material was collected with gentle swabbing of the right and left buccal mucosa using a cervical brush, then the micronucleus test was performed. Results: The Mann-Whitney test with a 5% significance level did not reveal statistically significant differences in micronuclei frequency between the exposed and non-exposed sides (p=0.251). The different brands do not seem to cause risks of inducing genetic damage because there were no statistically significant differences between them (p=0.47). Conclusion: Therefore, our results suggest no correlations of micronuclei frequency in the exposed buccal cells of mobile phone users at the exposure standard levels observed

Non-Ionizing Radiation Measurements for Trajectography Radars.

This work presents a Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) measurement campaign and proposes a specific measurement method for trajectography radars. This kind of radar has a high gain narrow beam antenna and emits a high power signal. Power density measurements from a C-band trajectography radar are carried out using bench equipment and a directional receiving antenna, instead of the commonly used isotropic probe. The measured power density levels are assessed for compliance test via comparison with the occupational and general public exposure limit levels of both the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (Anatel). The limit for the occupational public is respected everywhere, evidencing the safe operation of the studied radar. However, the limit for the general public is exceeded at a point next to the radar's antenna, showing that preventive measures are needed.

Cell phone use is associated with an inflammatory cytokine profile of parotid gland saliva.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy on the effects of the non-ionizing radiation emitted by cell phones on cellular processes and the impact of such radiation exposure on health. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cell phone use alters cytokine expression in the saliva produced by the parotid glands. METHODS: Cytokine expression profile was determined by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) in the saliva produced by the parotid glands in healthy volunteers, and correlated with self-reported cell phone use and laterality. RESULTS: The following parameters were determined, in 83 Brazilian individuals in saliva produced by the parotid glands comparing the saliva from the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) to that from the contralateral parotid: salivary flow, total protein concentration, interleukin 1 ß (IL-1 ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) salivary levels by ELISA. After multiple testing correction, decreased IL-10 and increased IL-1ß salivary levels in the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral side (P < 0.05) were detected. Subjects who used cell phones for more than 10 years presented higher differences between IL-10 levels in ipsilateral versus contralateral parotids (P = 0.0012). No difference was observed in any of the tested parameters in correlation with cell phone monthly usage in minutes. CONCLUSION: The exposure of parotid glands to cell phones can alter salivary IL-10 and IL-1ß levels, consistent with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that may be related to heat production.

Efeito do uso dos aparelhos de telefone celular sobre a expressão de citocinas em saliva produzida pelas glândulas salivares parótidas

Há controvérsia sobre os efeitos e impactos da radiação não ionizante emitida por telefones celulares sobre os mecanismos fisiológicos. Resultados conflitantes já foram relatados sobre a associação entre o uso de telefone celular e desenvolvimento de tumores em parótida. A inflamação crônica está associada com um risco aumentado de câncer, tal como pode ser visto na colite ulcerativa. Para avaliar o possível efeito do uso do telefone celular na glândula salivar parótida, o perfil de expressão de citocinas foi determinado na saliva produzida pelas glândulas parótidas em voluntários saudáveis e, correlacionada com o perfil de uso do telefone celular. Foram avaliados 83 indivíduos saudáveis, a partir de saliva produzida por essas glândulas...

Ion beam transformation with corn DNA alters proteinase expression in rice seedling roots.

Corn DNA was introduced into dry seeds of rice (cv. 'YuJing-6') by ion beam irradiation. Proteinase activities in rice seedling roots were subsequently analyzed by renaturation electrophoresis at pH 4.5, 7.0, and 8.5. Proteinase activity was more pronounced on gels at higher pH. Irradiation of rice seedling roots caused the loss of some proteinase bands at all pH conditions although a novel 50-kDa band was found at both pH 7.0 and 8.5. No new proteinase activity was detected at pH 4.5. However, novel bands and bands showing stronger activity were observed at pH 7.0 and 8.5. The data indicate that the expression of proteinases in rice seedling roots was altered following low energy ion beam mediated transformation with corn DNA.

Multifractal dimension and lacunarity of yolk sac vasculature after exposure to magnetic field.

Several studies have reported about the effects of magnetic fields (MFs) on vascular tissue. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) can promote either inhibition or stimulation of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, depending upon the intensity and time of exposure to the MF. To investigate the possible effects of ELF-MF on vascular processes, it is necessary to employ methods that allow parameterization of the vascular network. Vascular network is a structure with fractal geometry; therefore, fractal methods have been used to evaluate its morphometric complexity. Here, we used the lacunarity parameter (complementary method of fractal analysis) and multifractal analyses to investigate angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in the embryonic yolk sac membrane (YSM) of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) with and without exposure to an external MF of 1 mT and 60 Hz. Lacunarity results showed that the vascular density was lower for the group exposed to the magnetic field for 9 h/day. In addition, multifractal analysis showed reduced vascularization in the experimental groups (6 h/day and 9 h/day of exposure to MF). Furthermore, multifractal analysis showed difference between the groups exposed for 12 and 24 h/day. Using multifractal methods (generalized dimensions and singularity spectrum), it was possible to characterize the vascular network of the quail embryo YSM as a multifractal object, therefore proving this method to be a more appropriate application than the traditional monofractal methods.

Metodología par el diagnóstico de áreas urbana con alta exposición a radiacioones electromagnéticas emitidas por estaciones base de telefonía móvil / Methods forthe ddiagnosis of urban areas with high exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone base stations

La proliferación incontrolada de estaciones base de telefonía móvil (EBTM) en centros urbanos y, especialmente, en zonas con establecimientos considerados como vulnerables a las radiaciones no ionizantes (RNI) con relación al tipo de personas que albergan, ha generado preocupación por los posibles efectos nocivos para la salud que se pueden presentar en la población, a causa de la exposición a las radiaciones electromagnéticas emitidas por este tipo de equipos. Para abordar esta situación desde un enfoque técnico-ambiental, se diseñó e implementó una metodología para diagnosticar áreas con alta exposición a RNI emitidas por EBTM, en la que se tienen en cuenta factores amenazantes y vulnerables de este potencial escenario de riesgo. Esta metodología se estructura mediante la elaboración de un inventario de EBTM, una zonificación de las áreas con alta exposición a RNI emitidas por estas fuentes radioeléctricas y la implementación de una matriz multicriterios. Con la interacción de estos tres elementos, se genera un mapa de riesgo por exposición a RNI emitidas por EBTM, que facilita a nivel territorial la localización y visualización de áreas con alta exposición, teniendo en cuenta las zonas con mayor grado de vulnerabilidad. Finalmente, con base en estos resultados se obtiene un diagnóstico del escenario de riesgo por el posicionamiento de EBTM, pudiéndose identificar las zonas críticas o de alto riesgo, las cuales son consideradas como áreas sensibles donde se deben realizar de forma prioritaria las mediciones de las RNI de inmisión y emisión y, determinar el cumpliendo de los límites establecidos. La validación de esta metodología se efectuó en el municipio de Cartago (Valle del Cauca), donde se diagnosticaron las áreas con alta exposición a las RNI emitidas por las EBTM y se determinaron las zonas de alto riesgo.

The uncontrolled proliferation of mobile phone base stations (MPBS) in urban centers and especially in areas with facilities considered vulnerable to non-ionizing radiation (NIR) in relation to the type of people they are home to has generated concerns about the potential adverse health effects that may occur in the population, because of the exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by this type of equipment. To address this situation from a technical and environmental approach, a methodology to diagnose areas exposed to NIR issued by MPBS was designed and implemented, which takes into account threatening and vulnerable factors of this potential risk scenario. This methodology is structured through the development of an MPBS inventory, a zoning of the areas exposed to high NIR emitted by these radio-electric sources, and the implementation of a multicriteria matrix. With the interaction of these three elements, a risk map is generated by exposure to NIR emitted by MPBS, which facilitates the location and visualization of areas with high exposure at the territorial level, thus considering the areas of greatest vulnerability. Finally, based on these results a diagnosis of the risk scenario is obtained by the MPBS positioning, being possible to identify critical or high risk areas, which are considered as sensitive areas where NIR emission and immision measurements must be done as a priority and determine the accomplishment of defined limits. The validation of this methodology was made in the municipality of Cartago (Valle del Cauca), where areas highly exposed to NIR emitted by EBTM were diagnosed and high-risk areas were identified.

Carcinoma de piel y factores ocupacionales de riesgo / Skin carcinoma and occupational risk factors

Objetivo: identificar la contribución relativa de diferentes factores de riesgo ocupacionales asociados a la ocurrencia de cáncer de piel en las provincias de Ciudad de La Habana y La Habana , Cuba, en el período 2006-2007. Material y método: se diseñó un estudio de casos y controles de base hospitalaria, en que se incluyeron 112 casos de cáncer de piel no melanoma y 448 testigos, siguiendo los criterios de inclusión-exclusión prefijados. Se consideró la totalidad de los pacientes diagnosticados de carcinoma de células basales y de células escamosas por estudio histológico de biopsia de piel o exéresis quirúrgica. Como factores de riesgo con posible asociación a la enfermedad, se estudiaron la exposición solar, a radiaciones ionizantes y no ionizantes y a un conjunto amplio de sustancias químicas y biológicas potencialmente cancerígenas. Resultados: en el estudio se corroboró que son múltiples los factores que explican la ocurrencia del cáncer de piel, fundamentalmente como efecto del sol, las radiaciones no ionizantes y el calor, en combinación con factores químicos. Conclusiones: la exposición combinada previa con diferentes duraciones e intensidades a factores del ambiente ocupacional, incrementa la probabilidad de la ocurrencia del carcinoma de piel, especialmente la luz solar, el calor, las radiaciones no ionizantes (incluidos los campos electromagnéticos) y factores químicos tales como el petróleo y sus derivados, el paraquat y el diclorofenildicloroetano(AU)

Objective: To identify the relative contribution of different occupational risk factors associated with the occurrence of skin cancer in the provinces of Havana City and Havana , Cuba , in 2006-2007. Material and methods: It was designed a case-control study of hospital base that included 112 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and 448 witnesses, following the inclusion-exclusion criteria preset. We considered the totality of patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell histological study of skin biopsy or surgical excision. Risk factors with possible association with the disease were studied, such as sun exposure, ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and a wide range of chemical and biological substances potentially carcinogenic. Results: The study confirmed that there are multiple factors that explain the occurrence of skin cancer, mainly as an effect of the sun, non-ionizing radiation and heat, combined with chemical factors. Conclusions: Prior combined exposure with different durations and intensities of the workplace environment factors increases the likelihood of the occurrence of skin carcinoma, especially sunlight, heat, non-ionizing radiation (including electromagnetic fields) and chemical factors such as oil and its derivatives, paraquat and dichlorofenildichloroethane(AU)

Bio-effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in context of cancer therapy.

Bio-effects mediated by non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become a hot topic of research in the last decades. This interest has been triggered by a growing public concern about the rapid expansion of telecommunication devices and possible consequences of their use on human health. Despite a feasibility study of potential negative impacts, the therapeutic advantages of EMF could be effectively harnessed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review aims to examine recent findings relating to the mechanisms of action underlying the bio-effects induced by non-ionizing EMF. The potential of non-thermal and thermal effects is discussed in the context of possible applications for the induction of apoptosis, formation of reactive oxygen species, and increase of membrane permeability in malignant cells. A special emphasis has been put on the combination of EMF with magnetic nano-particles and ultrasound for cancer treatment. The review encompasses both human and animal studies.

Fotohemoterapia como método complementario en el abordaje de las adicciones / Fotohemoterapia as a complementary method in the approach to addictions

Uno de los problemas más serios de la medicina actual en el tratamiento de las adicciones. Las sustancias psicoactivas e ingredientes de su preparación y/o consumo generan un amplio espectro de metabolismo con un poder destructivo masivo contra los órganos y tejidos que adicionalmente se deterioran por la larga diversidad terapia medicamentosa. Fotohemoterapia (FHT) es un método no medicamentoso que consiste en la fotomodificación de sangre con fines de tratamiento y prevención con los cuantos de luz UV y visible producidos por equipos-irradiadores no ionizantes. Habiendo sido inventada en los Estados Unidos hace casi un siglo, la Fotohemoterapia recorrió un camino muy largo de estudios y modificaciones. Su eficiencia para diferentes enfermedades ha sido demostrada en varios países. Fotohemoterapia se distingue por un espectro terapéutico sumamente amplio, rapidez de aparición de los efectos y su duración. El uso de la Fotohemoterapia Intravascular (FIV) permite alcanzar nuevos horizontes en el tratamiento integral de las enfermedades adictivas por actuar a nivel de los mecanismos patogénicos de la addición, ayudar a mejorar las funciones de los órganos alterados por la intoxicación crónica y tener un efecto psicoterapéutico significativo.

One of the most serious problems of the curret medicine is the treatment of addictions. The psychoactive substances, ingredientes of its preparation and/or consumption, produce a wide spectrum of metabolites with a huge destructive power agaist the organs and tissues that, additionally, are damaged because of the long and diverse drugs therapy. Photo-hemotherapy (FHT) is a non medicinal method consisting of blood photo-modification for treatment and prevention with quantum of UV and visible light produced by non-ionizing radiator equipments. Being invented in United States almost a century ago, the photo-hemotherapy come a long way from studies and modifications. Its efficiency for different diseases has been show several countries. Photo-hemotherapy is distinguished by and extremely broad therapeutic spectrum, by the speed of appearance of effects and duration. The uso of Intravascular Photo-hemotherapy (FIV) allows reaching new horizons on integral treatment of addictive diseases because it acts at the level of the pathogenic mechanisms of addiction, it helps to improve organ functions altered by chronic intoxication and it has a significant psychotherapeutic effect.

Fractal analysis of extra-embryonic vascularization in Japanese quail embryos exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields.

Magnetic fields (MF) can alter the dynamic behavior of vascular tissue and may have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on blood vessel growth. Fractal geometry has been used in several studies as a tool to describe the development of blood vascular networks. Due to its self-similarity, irregularity, fractional dimension, and dependence on the scale of vessel dimensions, vascular networks can be taken as fractal objects. In this work, we calculated the fractal dimension by the methods of box counting (D(bc)) and information dimension (D(inf)) to evaluate the development of blood vessels of the yolk sac membrane (YSM) from quail embryos exposed to MF with a magnetic flux density of 1 mT and a frequency of 60 Hz. The obtained results showed that when the MF was applied to embryos aged between 48 and 72 h, in sessions of 2 h (6 h/day) and 3 h (9 h/day) with exposure intervals between 6 and 5 h, respectively, blood vascular formation was inhibited. Exposure sessions shorter than 2 h or longer than 3 h had no observable change on the vascular process. In contrast, the magnetic field had no observable change on the YSM vascular network for embryos aged between 72 and 96 h, irrespective of the exposure time. In conclusion, these results show a "window effect" regarding exposure time.

Exposição à radiação não-ionizante emitida por equipamentos terapêuticos de micro-ondas e morbidade referida em fisioterapeutas / Exposure to non-ionizing radiation emitted by microwave therapeutic equipment and morbidity in physiotherapists

Introdução: O fisioterapeuta utiliza-se de vários equipamentos eletro-eletrônicos que emitem radiação eletromagnética para fins terapêuticos. Entre esses, o equipamento de diatermia por micro-ondas de alta frequência, sendo essa de 2,45 GHz. Nesse procedimento terapêutico, é possível ter perdas variáveis da energia irradiada por reflexão e por dispersão, desde o aplicador até a área a ser tratada. Assim, o profissional que opera o equipamento de diatermia por micro-ondas, é exposto a essa radiação diariamente durante anos. Adicionalmente a esse cenário ocupacional, observa-se que o fisioterapeuta, de modo geral, tem raras atitudes de proteção ocupacional durante essas aplicações, tornando o ambiente de trabalho, bem como a si mesmo, passivos de situações de riscos não controlados e, consequentemente, efeitos adversos podem ocorrer. Com a finalidade de contribuir na elucidação de indicadores que despertem o interesse das autoridades relacionadas com a vigilância e legislação em saúde no que se refere à segurança de profissionais envolvidos direta ou indiretamente com a terapia de diatermia por micro-ondas, realizou-se este estudo. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre a prevalência de morbidades referidas por fisioterapeutas e a exposição destes profissionais à radiação emitida por equipamentos terapêuticos de diatermia por micro-ondas. Metodologia: Realizou-se estudo de corte transversal com 193 fisioterapeutas de quatro Municípios da Região Oeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Aplicou-se, via eletrônica, questionário estruturado especialmente para a coleta de dados sobre a exposição ocupacional à radiação de diatermia por micro-ondas, potenciais fatores de confusão e morbidades, acrescido do questionário de Avaliação Multidimensional de Fadiga (MAF) e do Questionário de Avaliação da Incapacidade por Enxaqueca (MIDAS). A análise estatística incluiu regressão logística e Teste t de Student. Resultados: Observou-se associações significantes entre a exposição...

Introduction: Various electroelectronic equipments that emit electromagnetic radiation for therapeutic purposes are employed by physiotherapists. Among these is the equipment for diathermy with microwave high frequency (2.45 GHz). During this procedure of treatment different levels of losses by reflection and scattering of the radiated energy from the applicator to the area to be treated are possible. Thus, the equipment operator is exposed to this radiation daily for years. In addition to this occupational setting, physiotherapists seldom do maintain occupational protection attitudes for these applications, doing the work environment, as themselves, passive in risk and not controlled situations. Therefore, adverse effects may occur. In order to contribute to elucidate indicators and arouse the authorities care over surveillance and health legislation regarding professional's security, directly or indirectly involved with the therapy by microwave diathermy, this study was conducted. Objective: To analyze the association between prevalence of morbidities referred by physiotherapists and their occupational exposure to radiation emitted by therapeutic microwave diathermy equipment. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study conducted in 193 physiotherapists from four cities of the west of Paraná State, Brazil. A specified structured web questionnaire was applied for collecting data about microwave diathermy exposition, potential confounders and morbidities, plus the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). Statistical analysis included logistic regression and Student's t-Test. Results: It was observed significant associations between exposure of physiotherapists to microwave and the use of visual correction lens (p = 0.02; OR: 3.56; 95% CI: 1.15 - 10.96), fatigue (p = 0.04; OR: 4.93; 95% CI: 1.04 - 23.25) and neoplasms (p = 0.008; OR: 32.05; 95% CI: 2.46 - 416.96)...

[Occupational exposure of physical therapists to electric and magnetic fields and the efficacy of Faraday cages]. / Exposição ocupacional de fisioterapeutas aos campos elétrico e magnético e a eficácia das gaiolas de Faraday.

OBJECTIVE: Measure physical therapists' exposure to the electric and magnetic fields produced by 17 shortwave diathermy devices in physical therapy clinics in the city of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo State, Brazil. Compare the observed values with the exposure levels recommended by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Observe the efficacy of Faraday cages as a means of protecting physical therapists from exposure to oscillating electric and magnetic fields. METHODS: Electric and magnetic field measurements were taken at four points during actual physical therapy sessions: in proximity to the operator's pelvis and head, the devices' electrical cables, and the electrodes. The measuring equipment was a Wandel & Goltermann EMR-200. RESULTS: The values obtained in proximity to the electrodes and cables were 10 to 30 times higher than ICNIRP's recommended occupational reference levels. In the shortwave diathermy treatment rooms with Faraday cages, the fields were even higher than in treatment rooms not so equipped-principally the magnetic field, where the values were more than 100 times higher than the ICNIRP exposure limit. CONCLUSIONS: The electric and magnetic field intensities obtained in this study are generally above the exposure levels recommend in ICNIRP standards. It was also observed that the Faraday cage offers physical therapists no protection, and instead, increases their level of exposure.

Exposição ocupacional de fisioterapeutas aos campos elétrico e magnético e a eficácia das gaiolas de Faraday / Occupational exposure of physical therapists to electric and magnetic fields and the efficacy of Faraday cages

OBJETIVO: Medir a exposição de fisioterapeutas aos campos elétrico e magnético produzidos por 17 equipamentos de diatermia de ondas curtas (DOC) de clínicas de fisioterapia da cidade de Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brasil. Comparar os valores medidos com os níveis de exposição recomendados pelo ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection). Observar a eficácia das gaiolas de Faraday como medida de proteção à exposição dos fisioterapeutas aos campos elétrico e magnético oscilantes. MÉTODOS: As medidas dos campos elétrico e magnético foram realizadas durante sessões reais de tratamento fisioterápico, em quatro pontos: nas proximidades da pelve e da cabeça do operador, dos cabos elétricos dos aparelhos e dos eletrodos de aplicação. O equipamento de medição utilizado foi o EMR-200 da Wandell & Goltermann. RESULTADOS: Os valores obtidos nas proximidades dos eletrodos e cabos estavam de 10 a 30 vezes acima dos níveis de referência ocupacionais recomendados pela ICNIRP. Nas salas de tratamento com DOC com gaiola de Faraday, os campos encontrados foram ainda mais altos que os das salas sem esse revestimento, principalmente o campo magnético, com valores superiores a 100 vezes o limite de exposição da ICNIRP. CONCLUSÕES: As intensidades dos campos elétrico e magnético obtidas neste trabalho estão, de modo geral, acima dos níveis de exposição recomendados pelas normas da ICNIRP. Além disso observou-se que a gaiola de Faraday não fornece proteção aos fisioterapeutas mas aumenta os níveis de exposição aos quais estão submetidos estes profissionais.

OBJECTIVE: Measure physical therapists' exposure to the electric and magnetic fields produced by 17 shortwave diathermy devices in physical therapy clinics in the city of Presidente Prudente, São Paulo State, Brazil. Compare the observed values with the exposure levels recommended by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Observe the efficacy of Faraday cages as a means of protecting physical therapists from exposure to oscillating electric and magnetic fields. METHODS: Electric and magnetic field measurements were taken at four points during actual physical therapy sessions: in proximity to the operator's pelvis and head, the devices' electrical cables, and the electrodes. The measuring equipment was a Wandel & Goltermann EMR-200. RESULTS: The values obtained in proximity to the electrodes and cables were 10 to 30 times higher than ICNIRP's recommended occupational reference levels. In the shortwave diathermy treatment rooms with Faraday cages, the fields were even higher than in treatment rooms not so equipped-principally the magnetic field, where the values were more than 100 times higher than the ICNIRP exposure limit. CONCLUSIONS: The electric and magnetic field intensities obtained in this study are generally above the exposure levels recommend in ICNIRP standards. It was also observed that the Faraday cage offers physical therapists no protection, and instead, increases their level of exposure.

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidosa campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentesperíodos do desenvolvimento / DNA integrity and sperm morphology of Wistar rats exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields during different periods of development

A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vemaumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nosúltimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podemgerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêmdemonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicassignificativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos,nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismosbiológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM(60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmentemaduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seudesenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios dealterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativasna morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações namorfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemosconsiderar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando-se a realizaçãode mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM.(AU)

Thesocietys exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due tothe great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well asdistribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields(50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provokesignificantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects werent totallyclarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT)effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality thatwere exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results,EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in spermafter exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductivepotential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health,recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels ofexposure to EMF.(AU)

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidos a campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentes períodos do desenvolvimento / DNA integrity and sperm morphology of Wistar rats exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields during different periods of development

A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vem aumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nos últimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podem gerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêm demonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicas significativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos, nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismos biológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM (60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmente maduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seu desenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios de alterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativas na morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações na morfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemos considerar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando- se a realização de mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM.

The society's exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due to the great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well as distribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provoke significantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects weren't totally clarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality that were exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results, EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in sperm after exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductive potential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health, recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels of exposure to EMF.