Determination of the exposure of the fetus to electromagnetic fields in an uncontrolled environment
Background Up to now, research on the absorption of electromagnetic fields in the human body has focused on the head and, more recently, on other exposed body parts of the users of hand-held and body-worn devices, like mobile phones. Highly detailed anatomical models of the human body have been developed that provide insight on how electromagnetic fields and the different body tissues interact. This knowledge has been used to develop standardized methods to test compliance of different types of wireless devices with exposure safety limits. The particular anatomy of pregnant women, however, suggests that additional effects will have to be considered to characterise the penetration of electromagnetic fields in the foetus.
Objective This project aims at developing a high-resolution anatomical model for different gestational stages; a model of this kind does not yet exist today. The model will be used to evaluate induced currents and the specific absorbed radiation (SAR) and temperature elevations in the mother and the foetus in everyday exposure situations in uncontrolled environments. The researchers will assess the overall uncertainty of the results and analyse the impact of the results on the currently applied exposure limits.
Significance The results of this study will contribute to the continuous development of standards and guidelines for the protection of the public from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Duration: 36 months
Grant: CHF 211’675.--
Dr. Nicolas Chavannes
IT'IS Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society Zeughausstrasse 43
CH-8004 Zurich chavanne@itis.ethz.ch
