NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS: NATIONAL TELEMETRIC NETWORK FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN GREECE.

At the end of 2015, the operation of the National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields (established in 2012) has started. The National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields is a network of 500 fixed (480 broadband and 20 frequency selective) and 13 mobile (vehicle mounted frequency selective) measurement stations throughout Greece that continuously monitor the electromagnetic field levels from all kinds of antenna stations in the frequency range 100kHz-7GHz. The results of this national monitoring network, which is operated and controlled by the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), are presented through an interactive web portal (https://paratiritirioemf.eeae.gr), in which data are constantly updated with the latest station measurements. This paper presents the operational aspects and the measurement results of the first 3 years of operation (2016-2018). The measurement results revealed that all values were well below the reference levels for general public exposure, as defined by the Greek legislation.

A Holistic Approach to Assessment of Population Exposure to Radiation: Challenges and Initiatives of a Regulatory Authority.

A regulatory authority for radiation safety should continuously evaluate and improve the national safety framework, in line with current requirements and standards. In this context, the Greek Atomic Energy Commission initiated a series of concerted actions. The radiation dose to the population due to public and medical exposures was assessed. The assessment of dose due to public exposure was based on measurements of radon concentrations in dwellings, radionuclide concentrations in environmental samples, and air dose rates; the assessment of dose due to medical exposure was based on dose measurements for typical examinations or procedures and data on their frequency. The mean effective dose to a member of the population was found to be 4.5 mSv (1.8 mSv and 2.7 mSv from medical and public exposures, respectively). Regarding occupational exposure, aircrew dose assessment, eye lens monitoring, and the national dose registry were significantly improved. With respect to artificial tanning (sun beds), the ultraviolet radiation produced was assessed and the practices followed were observed. Results demonstrated exceedance of the 0.3 W m erythema effective irradiance limit set in European Union standards by 63.5% of the sun beds measured, along with general noncompliance with standards. An overarching activity was the upgrade of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission information system in order to collect and disseminate radiation data electronically, launch a networking strategy for interaction with stakeholders, and facilitate the process of regulatory control. In response to the above findings, regulatory actions have been initiated.

A strategic framework for the development and enhancement of safety culture in the artificial tanning sector in Greece.

Herein, a strategic framework for the development and enhancement of safety culture in the artificial tanning sector in Greece is presented. This framework has been designed and promoted by the competent national regulatory authority, which is the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE). The aim is to ensure a common understanding regarding ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and artificial tanning among artificial tanning professionals, stakeholders and the general public. The strategic framework is founded on the recommendations of international organizations, EU requirements and the relevant technical standards. It comprises three autonomous but interconnected components: (A) a sunbed operators' e-training course and certification process; (B) a code of practice addressed individually to business owners, sunbed operators and sunbed users; (C) communication strategies aiming to raise awareness regarding UVR and artificial tanning among all interested parties. The artificial tanning safety culture framework presented here is the policy option undertaken by the EEAE and is embedded in the upcoming legislation and regulations for the provision of artificial tanning services in Greece. EEAE considers that the structure of the artificial tanning safety culture strategic framework will serve as a guide for the development and promotion of relevant strategic safety culture frameworks for the provision of aesthetic/wellness services utilising other non-ionising radiation sources, which do not currently exist.

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. The situation in Greece.

PURPOSE: The management of the occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issue of great scientific, social and economic significance, was under intense negotiations at European level over the last twenty years; the Directive 2013/35/EU is the new legislative tool. The presented study deals with the practical aspects of the Directive's implementation. METHODS: The appropriate, extensive measurements and the overall EMF exposure assessments (i.e. exposure mapping, identification of hot spots, proposition of solutions) were conducted in specific workplaces, including power production, railway, broadcasting, clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, industrial and research sites, as well as common office workplaces. RESULTS: The vast majority of the performed EMF assessments did not reveal occupational overexposures; moreover in most of the cases, even the general public exposure limits (in the above occupational areas) were not exceeded. The very few localized overexposures detected, were manageable on the basis of the technical and organizational OHS principles. On the contrary, the maintenance procedures of the EMF emitting equipment, as recorded in this survey, presented overexposures revealing a challenging field. CONCLUSIONS: This study lays a firm basis for the clarification of the occupational EMF environment, where potential exposures might be high. The proper risk assessment demands precise exposure identification and deep understanding of the EMF nature and hazards. Misconceptions range from the common exposure overestimation to the rarer case of the maintenance hazards underestimation, while attention is needed concerning the proper application of the complex limiting system of the Directive.

Occupational Electromagnetic Fields exposure in Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems - Preliminary results for the RF harmonic content.

PURPOSE: European legislation concerning the protection of workers from exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) was recently (26.6.2013) completed by Directive 2013/35/ΕU. This Directive is a specific one of the framework Directive 89/391/EEC and part of the overall legislation for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems have played a key role, both in the postponement of the former 2004/40 EMF Directive and in the formation of the latest limits adopted by the new Directive. On the other hand, MRI systems are associated with the exposure of personnel to EMF of various frequencies and modulations, arousing peculiar safety issues. Therefore, we will try to acquire the highly important knowledge of the exact occupational exposure levels, in all working scenarios and practices. METHODS: Different MRI systems (1.5 and 3 T) have been chosen for a variety of measurements in order to assess occupational exposure compared to the limits (ALs) of the Directive and to the main OHS principles. Gradient function of MRI systems results in low frequency exposure, while high frequency exposure comes from the application of the RF excitation frequency. RESULTS: In most of the cases the RMS and peak value measurements do not exceed the corresponding ALs, apart from a few specific hot spots, manageable through OHS principles. DISCUSSION: Complete occupational exposure results can form the basis for dealing with multiple exposures present in MRI systems. Peculiar RF harmonic components, of no safety concern, were detected. Their origin is under examination.

An interlaboratory comparison programme on radio frequency electromagnetic field measurements: the second round of the scheme.

The second round of an interlaboratory comparison scheme on radio frequency electromagnetic field measurements has been conducted in order to evaluate the overall performance of laboratories that perform measurements in the vicinity of mobile phone base stations and broadcast antenna facilities. The participants recorded the electric field strength produced by two high frequency signal generators inside an anechoic chamber in three measurement scenarios with the antennas transmitting each time different signals at the FM, VHF, UHF and GSM frequency bands. In each measurement scenario, the participants also used their measurements in order to calculate the relative exposure ratios. The results were evaluated in each test level calculating performance statistics (z-scores and En numbers). Subsequently, possible sources of errors for each participating laboratory were discussed, and the overall evaluation of their performances was determined by using an aggregated performance statistic. A comparison between the two rounds proves the necessity of the scheme.

A new method for measuring red blood cell aggregation using pattern recognition techniques on backscattered ultrasound Doppler signals.

In order to study the important phenomenon of aggregation of red blood cell in vitro, an original ultrasound Doppler in vitro technique has been designed and developed in our laboratory. In the experiments held with this new technique, erythrocyte aggregation was examined by adding dextrans of different molecular weights and concentrations for a wide range of hematocrit values. Consequently, a large data base of backscattered ultrasound Doppler signals is created. In these signals, various pattern recognition methods have been applied, mainly morphological and statistical ones. It results from the employed analysis that the envelope, energy and area characteristics of the obtained backscattered signals are quite good indicators of the degree of RBCs aggregation. In this way, we have been able to: (a) Establish a quantitative relation between the presence of various dextrans and the degree of aggregation. (b) Determine the distribution of the size of the formed aggregates in the various experimental solutions. (c) Obtain a most accurate relation between ultrasound backscattering and actual size of the corresponding observed aggregates.

In vitro estimation of red blood cells' aggregation using ultrasound Doppler techniques.

Aggregation of red blood cells (RBCs) is one of the principal hemorheological factors which plays an important role in capillary circulation. In order to study RBC's aggregation, an ultrasound Doppler in vitro technique, using pulsed wave monoelement pencil 4 MHz probes, was designed. A hydraulic pump system has been implemented, using an electric step motor that establishes in a certain distance, a laminar blood flow profile into a rectangular cross-section plexiglass tube. Blood coming from blood collection bags was used and following certain typical measuring protocols, red blood cells' samples of various parameters and conditions were acquired. Adding dextrans to the blood samples, red blood cells aggregation was achieved and observed for various hematocrit values. Both the emitted and the backscattered signals were driven to a system containing a multi-channel digital oscilloscope--of high sampling rate and processing capabilities--and a powerful PC with a high acquisition A/D card and special control software. The estimation of mean aggregates size--by measuring the mean ultrasonic intensity scattered by the blood sample--led us to a qualitative, in vitro ultrasonic method.