Description

This course is primarily designed for students of Occupational and Environmental Health to enhance their abilities in the recognition, assessment and control of nonionizing radiation hazards. The course will also be useful to those interested in the epidemiological, toxicological and regulatory aspects of nonionizing radiation and other physical agents. The course treats the following physical agents: noise, ultrasound, electric current, low frequency electric and magnetic fields, radiofrequency/microwave fields, visible light, lasers and ultraviolet radiation. The physical characterization, biological interactions, scientific basis for exposure standards and techniques for exposure assessment and control of each agent will be considered. Wherever possible, common physical and biological concepts will be applied to the treatment of the various agents.

Textbooks:

There is no single textbook for the course. The following books will be used for readings and reference. These will be supplemented by assigned readings from the scientific literature.

• Hitchcock, R.T., Patterson, R.M. Radiofrequency and ELF Electromagnetic Energies: A Handbook for Health Professionals. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1995.
• Gandhi, O. Biological Effects and Medical Applications of Electromagnetic Energy. Prentice-Hall (1990)
• Polk P, Postow E, eds. Handbook of Biological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields. CRC. 2nd edition (1996).
• Sliney DH. Safety for Lasers and other Optical Sources. Plenum Press.
• ACGIH. A Guide for Control of Laser Hazards.
• Sliney and Trokel. Medical Lasers and their safe use.
• NCRP Report 74. Biological Effects of Ultrasound

Topics covered include:

• Physics of wave motion
• Health effects of sound and ultrasound
• Response spectra for physical agents
• Electric current and electrocution
• Static and low frequency electric and magnetic fields
• Radiofrequency and microwave fields
• Radiometric and photometric units for optical measurements
• Ocular Effects of Visible Light
• Lasers and laser safety
• Health effects of ultraviolet radiation

Laboratory and Field Work:

Classroom lectures are supplemented by laboratory exercises and field exposure assessment projects. Student will prepare reports based on these projects.