Place of electromagnetic radiation in the classification of physical factors
In occupational health, all factors affecting a worker are divided into several broad groups. Electromagnetic fields and radiation belong to physical factors.
According to the classification, the group of electromagnetic exposures includes:
- Non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and radiation.
- Electrostatic fields.
- Static magnetic fields (including the natural geomagnetic field).
- Electric and magnetic fields of industrial frequency.
- Electric and magnetic fields of the radio frequency range.
Optical range radiation is singled out separately within physical factors; hygienists classify laser, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation under this category.
In addition to electromagnetic phenomena, the physical occupational environment includes changes in atmospheric pressure, acoustic vibrations (occupational noise, ultrasound, infrasound), general and local vibration, fibrogenic aerosols (dust), aeroions, as well as natural and artificial lighting.
The impact of microclimate as a concomitant physical factor
The assessment of electromagnetic radiation often occurs against the background of other physical exposures, the basic one being the microclimate. The basis of the body's thermal state in any industrial premises is strictly determined by two parameters: air temperature and humidity.
However, hygienic assessment also requires taking into account additional significant microclimate factors:
- Air velocity.
- Radiant energy emitted by heated and red-hot surfaces (which is especially relevant in hot shops).
The specifics of the occupational environment lie in the fact that the physiological effect of both elevated and lowered temperatures at work manifests significantly more acutely than in ordinary domestic conditions. Due to particularly unfavorable microclimatic conditions, the body's normal adaptive physiological responses may become depleted and transition into pathological ones.
Other groups of occupational factors
For a comprehensive understanding of working conditions, it is important to remember that physical factors (including radiation) rarely act in isolation. The workplace also presents:
Chemical factors:
- Various industrial poisons.
- Substances of biological origin obtained through chemical synthesis. These include antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and various protein preparations.
Work process factors (ergonomic indicators):
- Physical overloads.
- Awkward working postures.
- Overstrain of individual organs and body systems.
- Psycho-emotional stress.
Biological factors:
- Pathogenic microorganisms (including bacteria, viruses, and fungi), as well as helminths.
- Producer microorganisms, living cells, and spores found in various preparations.
- Specific dust of plant and animal origin. This broad group includes dust from cotton, flax, hemp, grain, tobacco, wood, peat, hops, paper, as well as wool and natural silk fluff.
- Other biological entities with which the worker may come into contact.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What are the main industrial sources generating radio frequency electromagnetic fields?
The main industrial and anthropogenic sources of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (from 300 MHz to 300 GHz) are communication and navigation facilities, as well as specialized equipment. These include:
- Industrial and military sources — radio and television stations, radio telephones, radio relay, tropospheric and satellite communication stations, navigation systems.
- Medical and household sources — visual display units (PC monitors, televisions), as well as technological, medical, and household electrical equipment.
According to what parameters is hygienic standardization of radio frequency electromagnetic fields carried out?
Hygienic standardization and intensity assessment of radio frequency electromagnetic fields are carried out depending on the specific frequency range. The following parameters are distinguished:
- Range up to 300 MHz — assessed separately by the electric component (measured in volts per meter, V/m) and the magnetic component (measured in amperes per meter, A/m).
- Range from 300 MHz to 300 GHz — assessed by energy flux density (EFD). Units of measurement are watts per square meter (W/m²) or milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²).
What personal protective equipment is used when working with sources of electromagnetic radiation?
When working with sources of specific electromagnetic radiation (e.g., laser devices and helium lamps), specialized goggles are used for personal protection. The main goal of their use is the mandatory protection of the retinal tissue from damaging exposure.
- Goggles with orange light filters — used when working with helium lamps.
- Goggles with dark light filters — intended to protect vision during the operation of laser devices.
Depending on the degree of facial fit, such protective goggles can be tight-fitting (open or closed) and loose-fitting.
Class and exam questions
Which types of electromagnetic fields are classified as occupational physical factors?
These include non-ionizing fields and radiation, electrostatic fields, static magnetic fields (including geomagnetic), as well as electric and magnetic fields of industrial frequency and radio frequency range.
What is included in the optical radiation group?
The optical range of industrial radiation includes laser, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation.
What determines the baseline thermal state of the body in the workplace?
The basic thermal state of the body in industrial premises is determined by air temperature and humidity, while additional influence is exerted by air velocity and radiant energy.
Which synthetic substances are classified as chemical factors?
These include substances of biological origin obtained by chemical synthesis: antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and protein preparations.
What else to study on this topic
- The effect of industrial frequency magnetic fields on the body
- Hygienic standardization of optical radiation (laser, UV, IR)
- Pathological body reactions to extreme microclimate
- Assessment of labor intensity: psycho-emotional and physical overloads
- Biological factors: exposure to organic dust and microorganisms
Master the entire topic in the "Hygiene" course
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Other topics in "Chapter 6. Fundamentals of Occupational Hygiene and Physiology"
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