Exposure Assessment of Extremely Low Frequency Electric Fields in Tehran, Iran, 2010

Abstract

Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields belonging to the nonionizing electromagnetic radiation spectrum have a frequency of 50 – 60 Hz. All people are exposed to a complex set of electric and magnetic fields that spread throughout the environment. The current study was carried out to assess people’s exposure to an ELF electric field in the Tehran metropolitan area in 2010. The measurement of the electronic fields was performed using an HI-3604 power frequency field strength measurement device. A total number of 2,753 measurements were performed. Afterward, the data obtained were transferred to the base map using Arc View Version 3.2 and Arc Map Version 9.3. Finally, an interpolation method was applied to expand the intensity of the electric field to the entire city. Based on the results obtained, the electric field was divided into three parts with various intensities including 0–5 V m⁻¹, 5–15 V m⁻¹, and >15 V m⁻¹. It should be noted that the status of high voltage transmission lines, electric substations, and specific points including schools and hospitals were also marked on the map. Minimum and maximum electric field intensities were measured tantamount to 0.31 V m⁻¹ and 19.80 V m⁻¹, respectively. In all measurements, the electric field was much less than the amount provided in the ICNIRP Guide. The results revealed that 141 hospitals and 6,905 schools are situated in an area with electric field intensity equal to 0–5 V m⁻¹, while 15 hospitals and 95 schools are located in zones of 5–15 V m⁻¹ and more than 15 V m⁻¹. Examining high voltage transmission lines and electric substations in Tehran and its suburbs suggested that the impact of the lines on the background electric field of the city was low. Accordingly, 0.97 km² of Tehran located on the city border adjacent to the high voltage transmission lines have an electric field in the range of 5 to 15 V m⁻¹. The noted range is much lower than the available standards. In summary, it can be concluded that the public is not exposed to a risky background electric field in metropolitan Tehran. The result of comparing sensitive recipients showed that the schools have a more desirable status than the hospitals. Nonetheless, epidemiologic studies can lead to more understanding of the impact on public health.

Health Phys. 104(1):87–94; 2013