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König AM, Pöschke A, Mahnken AH. Health risks for medical personnel due to magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2024. [PMID: 39029511 DOI: 10.1055/a-2296-3860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The current state of medical and scientific knowledge on the effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields on workers in the field of clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is summarized here.A systematic literature search was conducted to analyze the health risks to medical personnel from magnetic fields in MRI. A total of 7273 sources were identified, with 7139 being excluded after screening of the title and abstract. After full-text screening, 34 sources remained and were included in this paper.There are a number of scientific publications on the occurrence of short-term sensory effects such as vertigo, metallic taste, phosphenes as well as on the occurrence of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral effects. For example, short-term exposure to clinical magnetic fields has been reported to result in a 4% reduction in speed and precision and a 16% reduction in visual contrast sensitivity at close range. Both eye-hand precision and coordination speed are affected. The long-term studies concern, among other things, the influence of magnetic fields on sleep quality, which could be linked to an increased risk of accidents. The data on the exposure of healthcare workers to magnetic fields during pregnancy is consistently outdated. However, it has been concluded that there are no particular deviations with regard to the duration of pregnancy, premature births, miscarriages, and birth weight. Epidemiological studies are lacking. With a focus on healthcare personnel, there is a considerable need for high-quality data, particularly on the consequences of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields from clinical MRI and the effects on pregnancy. · Short-term sensory effects such as vertigo, metallic taste, phosphenes as well as neurocognitive and neurological behavioral effects may occur upon exposure to magnetic fields.. · Long-term effects mainly concern quality of sleep, which can be associated with an increased risk of accidents.. · When pregnant women were exposed to magnetic fields, no particular deviations were found with regard to the duration of pregnancy, premature births, miscarriages, and birth weight.. · König AM, Pöschke A, Mahnken AH. Health risks for medical personnel due to magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2296-3860.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marc König
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Antje Pöschke
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H Mahnken
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Bravo G, Modenese A, Arcangeli G, Bertoldi C, Camisa V, Corona G, Giglioli S, Ligabue G, Moccaldi R, Mucci N, Muscatello M, Venturelli I, Vimercati L, Zaffina S, Zanotti G, Gobba F. Subjective Symptoms in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Personnel: A Multi-Center Study in Italy. Front Public Health 2021; 9:699675. [PMID: 34692618 PMCID: PMC8530375 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.699675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) personnel have significant exposure to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. In these workers an increased prevalence of different subjective symptoms has been observed. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of non-specific subjective symptoms and of "core symptoms" in a group of MRI personnel working in different centers in Italy, and of possible relationships with personal and occupational characteristics. Methods: The occurrence of 11 subjective symptoms was evaluated using a specific questionnaire with 240 subjects working in 6 different Italian hospitals and research centers, 177 MRI health care and research personnel and 63 unexposed subjects employed in the same departments. Exposure was subjectively investigated according to the type of MRI scanner (≤1.5 vs. ≥3 T) and to the number of MRI procedures attended and/or performed by the personnel, even if no information on how frequently the personnel entered the scanner room was collected. The possible associations among symptoms and estimated EMF exposure, the main characteristics of the population, and job stress perception were analyzed. Results: Eighty-six percent of the personnel reported at least one symptom; drowsiness, headache, and sleep disorders were the most frequent. The total number of symptoms did not differ between exposed persons and controls. Considering the total number of annual MRI procedures reported by the personnel, no significant associations were found nor with the total number of symptoms, nor with "core symptoms." Only subjects complaining of drowsiness also reported a significantly higher mean annual number of MRI procedures with ≤ 1.5 T scanners when compared with exposed subjects without drowsiness. In a multivariate model, subjects with a high level of perceived stress complained of more symptoms (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Our study did not show any association between the occurrence of reversible subjective symptoms, including the more specific "core symptoms," and the occupational exposure of MRI personnel to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. On the other hand, the role played by occupational stress appears to be not negligible. In further research in this field, measurements of EMF exposure should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bravo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertoldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corona
- Health Surveillance Service, University Hospital Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Senio Giglioli
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud-Est, Siena, Italy
| | - Guido Ligabue
- Health Surveillance Service, University Hospital Policlinico, Modena, Italy
- Chair of Radiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Moccaldi
- Prevention and Protection Service, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Irene Venturelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini” Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Zanotti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Maeda J, Tanikawa C, Nagata N, Lim J, Kreiborg S, Murakami S, Yamashiro T. Comparison of 3-D mandibular surfaces generated by MRI and CT. Orthod Craniofac Res 2021; 25:351-358. [PMID: 34606173 DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the errors of three-dimensional mandibular surfaces generated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when computed tomography (CT) was set as the gold standard. SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION Seven patients with orthognathic deformities who had undergone CT and MRI scans were included in the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mandibular surfaces were generated on each CT and MR image by the surface-rendering method. Intra-individual reliability between CT and MRI was statistically tested by the confidence limits of agreement (LOA) for systematic error, 95% confidence interval minimal detectable change (MDC95 ) for random error and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS The average total error was 1.6 mm. The greatest MDC95 was observed in the coronoid region in all directions. The other regions showed MDC95 values of < 1.8 mm (transvers direction), 3.5 mm (vertical direction) and 1.7 mm (antero-posterior direction). ICCs showed 'almost perfect' agreement with respect to all regions. CONCLUSION Random errors were quantified for 3-D rendering of the mandible from MRI data. Although the coronoid region showed the greatest errors, the other regions of the mandibular surfaces generated using MRI were able to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Maeda
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tanikawa
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Namiki Nagata
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Jaeyeon Lim
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Sven Kreiborg
- Section for Paediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shumei Murakami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashiro
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Hartwig V, Virgili G, Mattei FE, Biagini C, Romeo S, Zeni O, Scarfì MR, Massa R, Campanella F, Landini L, Gobba F, Modenese A, Giovannetti G. Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance environment: an update on regulation, exposure assessment techniques, health risk evaluation, and surveillance. Med Biol Eng Comput 2021; 60:297-320. [PMID: 34586563 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-021-02435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Hartwig
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, San Cataldo, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Virgili
- Virgili Giorgio, Via G. Pastore 2, 26040, Crespina-Lorenzana, Italy
| | - F Ederica Mattei
- West Systems S.R.L, Via Don Mazzolari 25, 56025, Pontedera, PI, Italy
| | - Cristiano Biagini
- Associazione Italiana Tecnici Dell'Imaging in Risonanza Magnetica, AITIRM, Via XX Settembre 76, 50129, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Romeo
- Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) , Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Diocleziano 328, 80124, Naples, Italy
| | - Olga Zeni
- Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) , Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Diocleziano 328, 80124, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Scarfì
- Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) , Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Diocleziano 328, 80124, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Massa
- Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA) , Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Diocleziano 328, 80124, Naples, Italy.,Department of Physics, University Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Campanella
- Dipartimento di medicina, epidemiologia, Igiene del Lavoro E Ambientale, Inail, Via Fontana Candida 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Landini
- Fondazione Toscana "G. Monasterio", Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, San Cataldo, Italy
| | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Giovannetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, San Cataldo, Italy
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Exposure levels of radiofrequency magnetic fields and static magnetic fields in 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI units. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-021-04178-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staff is exposed to a complex mixture of electromagnetic fields from MRI units. Exposure to these fields results in the development of transient exposure-related symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the exposure levels of radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields and static magnetic fields (SMFs) from 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI scanners in two public hospitals in the Mangaung Metropolitan region, South Africa. The exposure levels of SMFs and RF magnetic fields were measured using the THM1176 3-Axis hall magnetometer and TM-196 3 Axis RF field strength meter, respectively. Measurements were collected at a distance of 1 m (m) and 2 m from the gantry for SMFs when the brain, cervical spine and extremities were scanned. Measurements for RF magnetic fields were collected at a distance of 1 m with an average scan duration of six minutes. Friedman’s test was used to compared exposure mean values from two 1.5 T scanners, and Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni adjustment was used to identify where the difference between exist. The Shapiro–Wilk test was also used to test for normality between exposure levels in 1.5 and 3.0 T scanners. The measured peak values for SMFs from the 3.0 T scanner at hospital A were 1300 milliTesla (mT) and 726 mT from 1.5 T scanner in hospital B. The difference in terms of SMFs exposure levels was observed between two 1.5 T scanners at a distance of 2 m. The difference between 1.5 T scanners at 1 m was also observed during repeated measurements when brain, cervical spine and extremities scans were performed. Scanners’ configurations, magnet type, clinical setting and location were identified as factors that could influence different propagation of SMFs between scanners of the same nominal B0. The RF pulse design, sequence setting flip-angle and scans performed influenced the measured RF magnetic fields. Three scanners were complaint with occupational exposure guidelines stipulated by the ICNIRP; however, peak levels that exist at 1 m could be managed through adoption of occupational health and safety programs.
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Huss A, Özdemir E, Schaap K, Kromhout H. Occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields and sleep quality among MRI - Technicians - A cross-sectional study in the Netherlands. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 231:113636. [PMID: 33080525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the association between occupational exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields with sleep quality in a cross-sectional study among 490 imaging technicians in the Netherlands. Imaging technicians filled in questionnaires about MRI exposure, lifestyle, work practices and sleep quality and quantity (Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale). Of six sleep domains, exposure to MRI-related magnetic stray fields appeared to be associated with increased sleep disturbance (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.00-3.70) and non-optimal sleep duration (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.11-3.44). Given earlier findings of possible increased accident risks among exposed imaging technicians, these findings merit follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Huss
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Emre Özdemir
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Kristel Schaap
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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Hansson Mild K, Lundström R, Wilén J. Non-Ionizing Radiation in Swedish Health Care-Exposure and Safety Aspects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1186. [PMID: 30987016 PMCID: PMC6479478 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to identify and describe methods using non-ionizing radiation (NIR) such as electromagnetic fields (EMF) and optical radiation in Swedish health care. By examining anticipated exposure levels and by identifying possible health hazards we also aimed to recognize knowledge gaps in the field. NIR is mainly used in health care for diagnosis and therapy. Three applications were identified where acute effects cannot be ruled out: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrosurgery. When using optical radiation, such as class 3 and 4 lasers for therapy or surgical procedures and ultra-violet light for therapy, acute effects such as unintentional burns, photo reactions, erythema and effects on the eyes need to be avoided. There is a need for more knowledge regarding long-term effects of MRI as well as on the combination of different NIR exposures. Based on literature and after consulting staff we conclude that the health care professionals' knowledge about the risks and safety measures should be improved and that there is a need for clear, evidence-based information from reliable sources, and it should be obvious to the user which source to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Hansson Mild
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ronnie Lundström
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jonna Wilén
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
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Pagano G, Thomas PJ, Di Nunzio A, Trifuoggi M. Human exposures to rare earth elements: Present knowledge and research prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:493-500. [PMID: 30743241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of rare earth elements (REEs) in a number of technologies is expected to impact on human health, including occupational and environmental REE exposures. A body of experimental evidence on REE-associated toxicity has been accumulated in recent decades, thus providing extensive background information on the adverse effects of REE exposures. Unlike experimental studies, the consequences of REE exposures to human health have been subjected to relatively fewer investigations. Geographical studies have been conducted on residents in REE mining districts, reporting on REE bioaccumulation, and associations between REE residential exposures and adverse health effects. A recent line of studies has associated tobacco smoking and indoor smoke with increased levels of some REEs in exposed residents. A body of literature has been focused on occupational REE exposures, with the observation of respiratory tract damage. The occupations related to REE mining and processing have shown REE bioaccumulation in scalp hair, excess REE urine levels, and defective gene expression. As for other REE occupational exposures, mention should be made of: a) jobs exposing to REE aerosol, such as movie operator; b) e-waste processing and, c) diesel engine repair and maintenance, with exposures to exhaust microparticulate (containing nanoCeO2 as a catalytic additive). Diesel exhaust microparticulate has been studied in animal models, leading to evidence of several pathological effects in animals exposed by respiratory or systemic routes. A working hypothesis for REE occupational exposures is raised on REE-based supermagnet production and manufacture, by reviewing experimental studies that suggest several pathological effects of static magnetic fields, and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pagano
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Center - Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Aldo Di Nunzio
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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Frankel J, Wilén J, Hansson Mild K. Assessing Exposures to Magnetic Resonance Imaging's Complex Mixture of Magnetic Fields for In Vivo, In Vitro, and Epidemiologic Studies of Health Effects for Staff and Patients. Front Public Health 2018; 6:66. [PMID: 29594090 PMCID: PMC5858533 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex mixture of electromagnetic fields is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): static, low-frequency, and radio frequency magnetic fields. Commonly, the static magnetic field ranges from one to three Tesla. The low-frequency field can reach several millitesla and with a time derivative of the order of some Tesla per second. The radiofrequency (RF) field has a magnitude in the microtesla range giving rise to specific absorption rate values of a few Watts per kilogram. Very little attention has been paid to the case where there is a combined exposure to several different fields at the same time. Some studies have shown genotoxic effects in cells after exposure to an MRI scan while others have not demonstrated any effects. A typical MRI exam includes muliple imaging sequences of varying length and intensity, to produce different types of images. Each sequence is designed with a particular purpose in mind, so one sequence can, for example, be optimized for clearly showing fat water contrast, while another is optimized for high-resolution detail. It is of the utmost importance that future experimental studies give a thorough description of the exposure they are using, and not just a statement such as “An ordinary MRI sequence was used.” Even if the sequence is specified, it can differ substantially between manufacturers on, e.g., RF pulse height, width, and duty cycle. In the latest SCENIHR opinion, it is stated that there is very little information regarding the health effects of occupational exposure to MRI fields, and long-term prospective or retrospective cohort studies on workers are recommended as a high priority. They also state that MRI is increasingly used in pediatric diagnostic imaging, and a cohort study into the effects of MRI exposure on children is recommended as a high priority. For the exposure assessment in epidemiological studies, there is a clear difference between patients and staff and further work is needed on this. Studies that explore the possible differences between MRI scan sequences and compare them in terms of exposure level are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Frankel
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonna Wilén
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kjell Hansson Mild
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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