Medium wave exposure characterisation using exposure quotients

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2010 Jun;140(1):34-40. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncq014. Epub 2010 Feb 16.

Abstract

One of the aspects considered in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines is that, in situations of simultaneous exposure to fields of different frequencies, exposure quotients for thermal and electrical stimulation effects should be examined. The aim of the present work was to analyse the electromagnetic radiation levels and exposure quotients for exposure to multiple-frequency sources in the vicinity of medium wave radio broadcasting antennas. The measurements were made with a spectrum analyser and a monopole antenna. Kriging interpolation was used to prepare contour maps and to estimate the levels in the towns and villages of the zone. The results showed that the exposure quotient criterion based on electrical stimulation effects to be more stringent than those based on thermal effects or power density levels. Improvement of dosimetry evaluations requires the spectral components of the radiation to be quantified, followed by application of the criteria for exposure to multiple-frequency sources.

MeSH terms

  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Radiation, Nonionizing
  • Radio Waves*