Intercomparison of magnetic field measurements near MV/LV transformer substations: methodological planning and results

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2009 Dec;137(3-4):243-6. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncp218. Epub 2009 Oct 20.

Abstract

Within the framework of Environmental Agencies system's activities, coordinated by ISPRA (superior institute for environmental protection and research), a comparison among measurements was designed and accomplished, in order to go into depth on the matter of measurement problems and to evaluate magnetic field at power frequencies. These measurements have been taken near medium voltage /low voltage transformer substation. This project was developed with the contribution of several experts who belong to different Regional Agencies. In three of these regions, substations having specific international standard characteristics were chosen; then a measurement and data analysis protocol was arranged. Data analysis showed a good level of coherence among results obtained by different laboratories. However, a range of problems emerged, either during the protocol predisposition and definition of the data analysis procedure or during the execution of measures and data reprocessing, because of the spatial and temporal variability of magnetic field. These problems represent elements of particular interest in determining a correct measurement methodology, whose purpose is the comparison with limits of exposure, attention values and quality targets.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Burden*
  • Electricity*
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Microwaves
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radio Waves