Evaluation of Non Ionizing Radiation Around the Dielectric Heaters and Sealers: A Case Report

Abstract

Dielectric heaters and sealers present the most common source of occupational exposure to excessive radio frequency (RF) fields. These systems are used industrially to heat or melt dielectric materials. Nowadays, the effects of high frequency electromagnetic (EM) fields on the health have been discussed frequently but there are few health studies done for workers around dielectric heaters and sealers. In this study, the leakage fields around dielectric heaters and sealers (27.12 MHz) were measured in MKE – Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation, Gazi Rocket Factory and evaluated in terms of standards. It has been observed that operators exposed to same RF fields with occupational exposure limits. Many workers have health complaints, such as elevated body temperatures in the factory. Safe distances or areas for workers should be recommended in these systems. Protective measures could be implemented to minimize these exposures. Further measurements and occupational exposure studies of RF exposed women and men are needed to demonstrate the levels of exposed Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR). Precautions should therefore be taken either to reduce the leakage fields or minimise the exposed fields.

Keywords:

• Dielectric heaters and sealers
• Radio frequency radiation
• Workers
• Occupational exposure limits

Acknowledgments

Electromagnetic Field measurement devices used in this study were supplied by the grant from Gazi University Research Foundation, No: 31 / 2002–07. The authors would like to thank Osman Özcan for his helps in the measurement.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.