Ambient RF-EMF exposure in surgical operating rooms from telecommunication antennas and Wi-Fi sources

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have characterized ambient exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in various environments. In hospitals, operating rooms accommodate many professionals for extended periods, often with waiting times during which mobile devices connected to wireless networks are used. These conditions could increase workers’ exposure during surgical procedures. This study aimed to characterize ambient RF-EMF exposure during surgical operations in 15 operating rooms at the General University Hospital and the Perpetuo Socorro Hospital in Albacete (Spain). Measurements were conducted using a Satimo EME Spy 140 exposimeter between 10 January and 3 March 2020. The device was configured to record data every 5 s from 08:30 to 15:00, selecting only periods corresponding to ongoing surgical operations. The exposimeter was mounted on a plastic tripod in a preferably central and unobstructed location, keeping a reasonable distance from walls and electronic equipment. In total, 67 surgical procedures were monitored, representing 120 h and 45 min of measurement. The highest recorded mean value was 58.82 μW/m2 on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. The exposure levels observed were comparable to those reported in other European studies conducted in indoor microenvironments. In all operating rooms analyzed, ambient exposure remained below 0.4% of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP, 2020) reference level, even under the least favorable conditions regarding the number of people or devices present.