Electromagnetic fields of MRI scanners and human exposure safety

Abstract

Human exposure to a superposition of three different types of magnetic and electromagnetic fields (EMF) in or around a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is a concern for both professionals and patients. In order to provide the best practices from the perspective of health and exposure safety, professionals at MRI units should be aware of the hazards. Present paper offers a multiple perspective on the issue, covering technical aspects (field characteristics), knowledge on biological effects, thresholds and exposure regulations. A synthetic technical situation of MRI units in Romania is presented and a proposal for embarking upon a European coordinated action, in order to contribute to the improvement of the EU EMF Directive 2004/40/EC, is made for safer environment for both personnel and patients. © 2009 Springer.