• University of Manchester,
• Utrecht University Helmholz Institute

Experimental studies in human volunteers to understand possible acute effects of occupational exposure to MRI-related electromagnetic fields.

Human volunteers will be exposed to MRI-related electromagnetic fields, thereby simulating different occupational exposure scenarios in hospital settings. Special attention will be paid on the static magnetic fields (SMF) and time varying magnetic fields induced by movement within the SMF. During exposure several neuropsychological tests will be assessed to evaluate performance. In addition, acute symptoms and well being will be assessed.

The use of medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has considerably increased in the last decades. The magnetic field strength generated by MRI applications as well as the number of applications in health care will continue to increase. Professionals who are occupationally exposed to MRI related electromagnetic fields (EMF) include e.g. radiographer, radiologist, anaesthesiologist, surgeon, cleaners and engineers involved in constructing and testing the scanners. MRI related EMF exposure has been associated by employees with health complaints such as fatigue, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, metallic taste, nausea, impaired attention and poor concentration.

• MRI-related EMF exposure assessment survey and (semi-) acute health effects (Kristel Schaap)
• Health complaints and neuropsychological effects after long-term exposure to MRI-related EMF (Suzan Bongers)