Comparison of occupational exposure to extremely low frequency-magnetic fields in Italy and Finland to the action values included in the newly proposed EC Directive (2011/0152)

Introduction
In June 2011, a proposal for a new Directive on the protection of workers from exposure to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields was published. For MF induced by electric power (typically 50 Hz in Europe) new action values of 13320 µT are proposed. The aim of the work was to compare these new action values with the occupational exposure levels measured in various occupations in Italy and in Finland (Gobba et. al. Sci Total Environ 2009;407:1218-23, Korpinen et al, 2011; Book of Abstract of EBEA 2011, Rome, Italy, 2011).

Methods
Personal exposure data was measured, using EMDEX Lite dosimeters, in 397 workers who were engaged in some of the main occupational activities in Italy, and using Radians Innova ML-magnetic field loggers in 87 electric utility, metal industry, paper industry, and electric power workers in Finland.

Results
In Italy the maximum 8 hours TWA values were: tile production 13.28 µT, garment industry 2.54 µT, retail sale 9.47 µT, wood Industry 3.59 µT, mechanic Industry 0.66 µT. In Finland the maximum values were: electric utility 0.8 -1023.0*µT, metal industry 0.57-102.3*µT, paper industry 8.6-102.3*µT, producer electric industry 1.6- 35.8µT (*max. value of meter).

Discussion
In all examined workers the ELF-MF exposure levels were largely below the action values included in the new proposed Directive, suggesting that in the large majority of the occupational activities regarding such values are respected. However, due to some limitations in available data, some occupational groups, such as electric utilities workers, possibly deserve further evaluation.