Electromagnetic fields
In the vast majority of workplaces there are electromagnetic fields. They are usually so low that health effects can be ruled out. It is usually in the context of large currents or high voltages that direct effects may occur.
Limit values protect health
The regulations on electromagnetic fields contain limit values and are based on EU Directive 2013/35/EU on occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields.
The limit values are designed to protect against all known, immediate and transient symptoms that may occur following exposure. In addition to health effects, the regulations prevent the symptoms that may occur due to the impact (interference) the fields have on objects such as various forms of implants, for example pacemakers.
Electromagnetic fields, AFS 2016:3, regulations
The armed forces are completely exempt from the regulations provided that they use other equivalent protection systems to prevent health effects and safety risks. When using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthcare, limit values are exempted provided that certain conditions are met.
Three guides from the EU
To facilitate the practical application of the regulations, the European Commission has published three guides.
Last updated 2021-02-17
