Review article
Exposure to Non-Ionising Electromagnetic Fields from Extremely Low to Microwave Frequencies
Dragan Poljak
orcid.org/0000-0003-1205-4842
; Fakultet elektrotehnike, strojarstva i brodogradnje Sveučilišta u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska
Abstract
This article describes a simulation method to assess human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from extremely low to microwave frequencies. Human body is represented by realistic computational models taking into account the geometry and electrical properties of organs. Low frequency models are based on quasistatic approximations, Laplace equation, and related numerical modelling via the boundary element method. High frequency models are based on the full wave model and the corresponding Helmholtz equation. The articles gives examples of computational models for the human head exposed to a video display unit, for a pregnant woman and foetus exposed to low frequency fields, and for the human eye exposed to microwave frequencies. In extreme scenarios, external and internal field levels exceed national and international tresholds. For example, pregnant woman exposure to power line electric fi eld causes several times higher values of current density in the foetus than the internal current density in the female brain.
The article also discusses the interaction between EMF and human body and presents new fi ndings on biological effects of extremely low and high frequency EMF. It concludes with a discussion about protection measures required by international and national safety guidelines and exposure limits.
Keywords
computational models; EMF; exposure limits; foetus; Helmholtz equation; Laplace equation; pregnant woman; radiation protection; safety guidelines
Hrčak ID:
60288
URI
Publication date:
9.11.2010.
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