Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1
Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
2
Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
3
Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
4
Research Center for Health, Safety and Environment, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, IR Iran
5
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran
https://doi.org/10.5812/jjhs.14329
Abstract
Background:
Electrification of transport systems currently deserves top priority in Iran. Such systems generate a magnetic field in static or extremely low frequency ranges. Therefore, train drivers may be exposed to these fields occupationally.
Objectives:
The current study aimed to measure the intensity of static magnetic field (SMF) and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) in the subway trains of Tehran City in different train types and situations to show drivers’ exposure to SMF and ELF-MF.
Methods:
Two AC and DC trains were randomly selected from lines 1 and 2, one AC train from line 4, and two ACi trains from line 5. The SMF and ELF-MF levels were measured based on BS EN 50500:2008 and recommendations in other studies using TES-1394 (ELF-MF meter) and HI-3550 (SMF meter). Ceiling values of ELF-MF and SMF were used for assessment of train driver’s exposure. One-way ANOVA, with Tukey post hoc test, and independent sample T-test were used for data analysis.
Results:
Maximum SMF and ELF-MF exposures were 0.52 mT (at DC trains- in trip situation) and 7.90 µT (at ACi trains- in trip situation), respectively, and the minimum exposures to SMF and ELF-MF were measured among the drivers of ACi (< 0.1 mT- in all situations) and AC trains (0.08 µT- in acceleration situation), respectively.
Conclusions:
As the obtained results suggest, in none of the situations, exposure of train drivers to ELF-MF and SMF exceeded the threshold limits recommended by ACGIH. However, the effects of these fields should not be ignored because different studies have reported adverse health consequences of these fields.
Keywords:Magnetic Field,Occupational Exposure,Train Driver,Subway
Keywords
