Assessment of induced currents hazards among health care workers operating magnetic resonance scanners — Towards new standardization approach

Workers attending patients diagnosed by magnetic resonance technique are exposed to strong static magnetic field (SMF) in the vicinity of magnets of scanners (MRI scanners). Currents induced in the body of worker moving in strong, heterogeneous SMF in the vicinity of MRI scanner magnet should be consider among risk factors related to such exposure. Registration of magnetic field at the surface of body of worker performing normal activities with patients can be used for assessment of induced currents hazards. Examples of results of such investigations in MRI centers in Poland are presented. Proposal for the use of standardized basic simple movements and measurements of exposure pattern related to such movements for evaluation of induced currents hazards is discussed.