Abstract

Overview

Extremely Low Frequency Electric (ELF-EF) and Magnetic Field (ELF-MF) exposure originates from various sources, including electric current production, transmission, distribution, and commonly used technologies like domestic appliances and electric transportation.

Findings

• Establishment of exposure levels for the general public is crucial for effective health risk management, though it presents challenges due to differing methodologies across studies.
• All recorded ELF-EMF exposure levels were within the safe limits defined by ICNIRP guidelines for the general public. Notably, higher MF levels were detected in apartments near built-in power transformers, and proximity to household electrical devices also showed elevated MF levels, albeit for limited durations.

Conclusion

The study consolidates previous findings on exposure levels and reinforces the classification of ELF-EMF exposure into three categories: intermittent variable partial body, continuous elevated level whole body, and continuous low level background exposures. With emerging technologies, the need to focus future research on assessing ELF-EMF exposure grows in importance for ongoing health risk assessments.