Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most-used diagnostic imaging methods worldwide. There are ∼50,000 MRI scanners worldwide each of which involves a minimum of five workers from different disciplines who spend their working days around MRI scanners. This review analyzes the state of the art of literature about the several aspects of the occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in MRI: regulations, literature studies on biological effects, and health surveillance are addressed here in detail, along with a summary of the main approaches for exposure assessment. The original research papers published from 2013 to 2021 in international peer-reviewed journals, in the English language, are analyzed, together with documents published by legislative bodies. The key points for each topic are identified and described together with useful tips for precise safeguarding of MRI operators, in terms of exposure assessment, studies on biological effects, and health surveillance.
Highlights
Regarding the biological effects arising from the complex exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) workers, the most reported effects that are associated with a longer duration of working in the MRI department are dizziness, vertigo, and nausea
A key point to consider is that the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, and all the resulting regulations, are based on all known short-term direct biophysical effects and indirect effects caused by EMF, but do not address suggested long-term effects because no sufficient evidence has been found at the moment
Worker education should involve all the aspects relative to occupational exposure to EMF and in particular: the results of the exposure assessment with the measurement or calculation of the levels of exposure, how to detect and report transient symptoms, sensations, and adverse health effects related to the exposure of EMF, conditions in which the workers are entitled to health surveillance, especially for workers at particular risk, and best practices to minimise risks
Summary
The main purpose of this review is to analyse the state-of-art of literature about the several aspects of occupational exposure to EMF in MRI, identifying the key points for each topic
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