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Non-Ionizing Radiation

Non-ionizing radiation

Non-ionizing radiation is not as strong as ionizing radiation. However, non-ionizing radiation can have serious health effects.

Preventing exposure to non-ionizing radiation

  • Properly shield and maintain equipment that gives off non-ionizing radiation.

  • Move workers away from sources of radiation.

  • Wear glasses with UVR filter lenses.

  • Cover skin or use sunscreen when working outdoors.

 

Very low frequency (VLF), extremely low frequency (ELF), and electric and magnetic fields (EMFS)

Very low frequency and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are also forms of non-ionizing radiation. Power lines, electrical wiring and electrical equipment such as computers produce these types of EMFs.

Researchers have been studying many different occupations and types of electric equipment to see what the risks might be. For example, studies have been done to see if those who work around power lines have increased rates of leukemia, brain or other cancers. There has also been concern that working all day with computers may cause miscarriages or birth defects. The evidence at this time does not show that radiation from video display terminals causes reproductive problems. Unfortunately, questions about the health effects of EMFs have not been fully answered. More research is needed on the health risks of EMFs.

 

Non-Ionizing Radiation in the Workplace

 Type of Radiation Sources of Exposure   HealthEffects
 Ultraviolet Radiation
(UVR) (low intensity) 		 sunlight and artificial light
from fluorescent and
incandescent bulbs 		 sunburn, skin cancer,
cataracts
 Ultraviolet Radiation
(UVR) (high intensity)		  welding   damage to eye
("welder's flash")
 Infrared Radiation
(IRR) 		 foundries  cataracts 
 Microwave/radio  microwave equipment and
telecommunication
equipment
immune disorders		  immune disorders cataracts,
can interfere with pacemakers
and other medical devices
 Laser   laser equipment  damage to eyes and skin

  

Protecting workers from EMFs

Workers should not be treated like guinea pigs. Efforts should be made to reduce exposure to EMFs until more research answers questions about health risks. A policy of “prudent avoidance” means avoiding exposure to EMFs because the risks are unknown. Exposure to EMFs can be reduced by:

  • shielding and grounding electrical equipment; and/or

  • moving people away from equipment and sources of EMF. For example, the source of EMFs in a VDT is the flyback transformer located in the back of the monitor. The radiation is strongest in the back and side of the monitor. Computer operators should be at least four feet away from the back or sides of other workers’ machines.

 

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