An investigation to identify possible sources of electromagnetic field transients responsible for exposures reported in recent epidemiological studies

The possible link between occupational exposure to high-frequency short-duration electromagnetic field transients and the health of utility workers has been discussed in two epidemiological studies. Questions have been raised, however, on the sources responsible for the exposures reported in these studies. A thorough investigation has therefore been carried out, in the laboratory as well as in the utility work environment. The results indicate that the instrument used in these epidemiological studies is typically responding to the use of hand-held walkie-talkies and mobile radio-communication devices rather than power system switching operations.