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Static electric and static magnetic fields 0–1 Hz
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Indirect effects: Uncontrolled attraction of ferromagnetic objects, ie the risk of injury from objects in a large static magnetic field being attracted to magnets in the workplace and hitting anyone in the way
Sensory effects: Nausea, vertigo, metallic taste in the mouth, flickering sensations (magnetophosphenes) in peripheral vision
Health effects: Micro shocks
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MRI scanners (main magnet)
Electrochemical processes, e.g. industrial electrolysis, aluminium extraction
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
Electromagnetic lifting cranes
Electric vehicles (cars, underground trains)
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Low frequency magnetic and electric fields: 1 Hz–10 MHz
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Indirect effects: Interference with active or passive implanted or body-worn medical devices (more information is provided later in this guidance), electric shocks, causing electro-explosive devices to initiate, i.e. when used in close proximity to explosives that have an electrical means of initiation
Sparks caused by induced fields triggering fires or explosions where flammable fuels, vapours or gases are present
Sensory effects: Nausea, vertigo, metallic taste in the mouth, flickering sensations (magnetophosphenes)
Health effects: Nerve stimulation, effects on the central and peripheral nervous system of the body: tingling, muscle contraction, heart arrhythmia Contact currents caused by a person touching a conductive object in an EMF where one of them is grounded and the other is not, which can result in shocks or burns
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High voltage power lines
Production and distribution of electricity
Welding (arc and spot)
Electrical arc furnaces
Industrial induction heating (e.g. large coils used around the site of a weld)
AM radio
Electric hand-held tools
Electric vehicles (cars, trains, trams, metros)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (switched gradient fields)
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Intermediate frequency fields: 100 kHz–10 MHz
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The health effects of both high and low frequencies can be experienced as detailed above and below (see also Annex 1)
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Surgical diathermy
Broadcasting systems and devices (AM radio)
Anti-theft devices
Military and research radiofrequency systems
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High frequency fields: 100 kHz–300 GHz
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Indirect effects: Interference with active or passive implanted or body-worn medical devices (more information is provided later in this guidance), electric shocks, causing electro-explosive devices to initiate, i.e. when used in close proximity to explosives that have an electrical means of initiation
Sparks caused by induced fields triggering fires or explosions where flammable fuels, vapours or gases are present
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MRI (RF coils)
Broadcasting and TV antennas
Radar and radio transmitters
Diathermy
Dielectric heating (e.g. vulcanising, plastics welding or microwave drying)
Anti-theft systems
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100 kHz–300 GHz
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Sensory effects: Auditory effects such as perception of clicks or buzzing caused by pulsed radar systems
Health effects: Thermal stress, heating effects leading to a rise in core body temperature or localised limb heating (e.g. knees or ankles)
Contact with charged conducting bodies can lead to RF shock or deep tissue burns (see also Annex 1)
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Broadcasting and TV antennas
Radar and radio transmitters
Diathermy
Dielectric heating (e.g. vulcanising, plastics welding or microwave drying)
Anti-theft systems
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