Evaluation of the electromagnetic field intensity in operating rooms and estimation of occupational exposures of personnel.

Introduction: Operating rooms in hospitals are facilitated with different types of electronic systems, which produce electromagnetic waves. High intensities of magnetic waves may have harmful effects on biological environments. This study aims to evaluate the electromagnetic field intensity at different parts of operating rooms at the first stage and estimate the occupational exposure to operating room personnel at the next phase.

Materials and methods: At this cross-sectional study, the magnetic field intensity was evaluated using teslameter at several parts of operating rooms, during operating procedures, while electrical instruments were working. Background electromagnetic field intensity was measured when all the electrical systems were idle. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. The results were compared with ICNIRP standards.

Results: The maximum intensity of magnetic field was measured around high-voltage systems at the distance of 50 cm in the personnel's standing area at DCR and PCNL operating procedures were 5.9 and 5.6, respectively. The number of on-mode electrical systems was inconsistent with the intensity of electromagnetic fields at the standing area of operating room personnel's. The intensity of magnetic fields around high-voltage systems, which was about 46.75 mG at the distance of 10 cm, was the highest among measured electromagnetic fields.

Conclusions: The highest magnetic field intensity measured in this study was related to high-voltage systems and is lower than advised intensity by ICNIRP for occupational exposure. Based on this study, it can be concluded that there are no considerable risks of electromagnetic exposure for operating room personnels.