Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields from dental devices: A descriptive study

Abstract Objective: Electromagnetic Field sources which are widely used as part of the operating mechanism occupational exposure occurs with the electricity is generated, distributed or usage in the everyday environment. We aimed to obtain the Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Field exposure profile for dental health workers from electrical devices used in dentistry. Methods: Measurements were performed while appliances under working conditions, 10 cm distance with the device for 6 minutes and for 7 days. The highest measured value in every 10 second was recorded. The mean ± SD of minimum and maximum Extremely Low Frequency-Magnetic Field for high-speed dental handpiece with LED, low-speed dental handpiece, model-trimming machine, automatic boil-out unit, steam machine, vacuum device, and polishing machine were recorded in milliGauss. Results: The values which obtains from model-trimming machine and polishing machine were remarkable (809.17 ± 37.70 / 975.00 ± 10.27, 649.33 ± 201.37 / 1367.00 ± 32.17, respectively). Conclusion: The results show that periodic Electromagnetic Field exposure measurements should be conducted to obtain more detailed information about workplace exposures and sources. Keywords: Health, electromagnetic field, extremely low-frequency field, exposure, occupational