A STUDY OF BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MAGNETIC FIELD AND THE EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC FIELD INTENSITY IN AN ALUMINIUM REDUCTION PLANT

Abstract

The exposure of workers to magnetic field that occur in aluminum reduction potrooms has been studied. The pattern of magnetic field intensity has been demonstrated along the shop. It has clearly been shown that the personnel working near the pots are exposed to 20-to 1000-gauss magnetic field. To set limits of exposure to magnetic fields, the literature on the biological effects of stationary magnetic fields on man and other animals has been reviewed, and it has proposed 150-gauss for head or whole body and 1500- gauss for arms and hands as exposure limits for extended periods of time. It is concluded that the possible adverse effects of magnetic field on men working in a potroom could not be excluded.