Estimation of 50-Hz Electrically Vs. Magnetically Generated Body Currents in Sleeping Subjects

Abstract

The exposure from low-frequency electric and magnetic fields to sleeping subjects was analyzed at 343 sites. To establish the exposure due to electric fields, a new method was used to measure the current density on the body surface of the test subjects lying in their beds. The exposure due to magnetic fields was determined by short-term measurements of the magnetic flux density using induction coils. The exposures from the electric and magnetic fields were compared. The result was that, in general, the electric fields contribute much more to the total exposure than the magnetic fields.

Key Words:

• Electric fields
• Magnetic fields
• Bed sites
• Body current density