Guidelines on exposure to electromagnetic fields from magnetic resonance clinical systems / [prepared by M.A. Stuchly] ; Environmental Health Directorate, Health Protection Branch.: H46-2/87-127E-PDF

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and recently also magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have been gaining a widespread acceptance and many applications in clinical settings. These imaging devices utilize three types of fields, namely, the static magnetic field, the time-varying magnetic field and the radiofrequency (RF) field. Since each of the fields produced by MRI or MRS devices, if of a sufficient intensity, can produce detrimental biological effects, questions have been raised regarding the safety of these devices. Guidelines on device characteristics and patient and operator exposure have been published in some countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany). This document briefly reviews biological effects of various fields used in magnetic resonance devices and provides general guidance on exposure levels to the patient and to the operator. The levels cited should not be considered as strict limits which if exceeded would result in a dangerous situation, but rather indicate the presently established levels below which potential hazards, if any, are considered minimal, if any. Higher exposure levels may still be safe, depending on various factors. For patient exposures exceeding the specified safe limits, the usual risk-benefit assessment has to be made.

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Publication information
Department/Agency Canada. Health Canada.
Title Guidelines on exposure to electromagnetic fields from magnetic resonance clinical systems / [prepared by M.A. Stuchly] ; Environmental Health Directorate, Health Protection Branch.
Series title Safety code ; 26
EHD (Series) ; 87-EHD-127
Publication type Monograph
Language [English]
Other language editions [French]
Format Electronic
Electronic document
Note(s) Issued also in French under title: Lignes directrices sur l'exposition aux champs électromagnétiques provenant d'appareils cliniques à résonance magnétique.
Includes bibliographic references.
Publishing information [Ottawa] : Health and Welfare Canada, [1987].
Author / Contributor Stuchly, M. A.
Description v, 20 p.
Catalogue number
  • H46-2/87-127E-PDF
Subject terms Medical technology
Safety
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