ORIGINAL PAPER
Patients’ exposure to electromagnetic fields and radon in radon spas
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Zakład Ochrony Radiologicznej / Radiological Protection Department)
Corresponding author
Piotr Politański
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera w Łodzi,
Zakład Ochrony Radiologicznej, ul. św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2014;65(5):645-9
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Background: Many patients of physiotherapeutic facilities using therapeutic radon are also referred to other treatments involving
the use of electromagnetic field (EMF). However, in the light of the theory of EMF influence on free radicals, it is still an
open question whether, application of EMF shortly after the radon treatment may alter the biological effects of radon or EMF.
The aim of the study was to determine how large is the group of patients exposed to radon and EMF in Poland, and how high
is the exposure of these patients to analyzed factors. The results of the study are to be used in the future assessment of the
combined effects of radon and EMF in radon spas. Material and Methods: Based on the statistical data and interviews held
in the major Polish radon spas, the analysis of treatment structure was performed and exposure to radon and EMF was assessed
by measuring radon concentrations and characteristic values of exposure to EMF. Results: More than 8000 people
per year are subjected to combined exposure to radon and EMF. Significant differences were found between measured radon
concentrations (they ranged from approximately 61 kBq/m3 for inhalations with inhaler to only 290 Bq/m3 for graduation
towers, p = 0.049) and EMF intensities corresponded to those observed in hazardous and dangerous zones for occupational
exposure. Conclusions: The results of the study showed significant differences between radon concentrations during various
radon treatments. There is a need to develop clear and universal procedures for the application of radon or radon combined
with EMF in radon spas. The effects of patients’ exposure to radon, especially combined with EMF need to be further studied.
Med Pr 2014;65(5):645–649