Abstract

Overview

The study investigated the exposure levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) among library workers in Japan with a particular focus on combined exposure to intermediate-frequency EMF (IF-EMF) and pulsed EMF.

Objective

• To assess and propose a new epidemiological research methodology for EMF exposure among library workers.

Methods

Using electronic article surveillance gates (EM-EAS) and a book check unit (BCU), exposure scenarios were evaluated against established guidelines.

• Short-term exposures were calculated based on proximity to EM-EAS gates and BCU operation.
• Mid-term exposure indices calculated weekly exposure scenarios under actual working conditions.

Findings

The study majorly found that none of the exposure scenarios exceeded the international guideline levels, suggesting regulatory compliance. However, several individual cases showed exposure levels significantly above the median, signaling potential outliers or exceptional situations.

• Median exposure values were generally low but there were notable exceptions.
• The repetitive and transient nature of exposure during specific operational activities was highlighted.

Conclusion

The collected data from the field suggest that exposure levels are generally within safe limits but also highlight the importance of considering episodic high exposures in future epidemiological studies.

Continuous and detailed monitoring of exposure in work environments is recommended to ensure safety and health compliance.