Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields: workers at particular risk and indications for health surveillance

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is almost ubiquitous nowadays in industrialized countries. Specific work-related risks may involve the exposed workers and accordingly an adequate health surveillance (HS) program is required, especially for the so called "workers at particular risk".In EU, the HS of workers exposed to EMF is mandatory based on the Directive 2013/35/EU.The EU Directive specifically addresses the prevention of direct biophysical effects and indirect effects of EMF exposure. These latter effects include interference and the risk can be relevant in case of presence of workers with Active Implanted Medical Devices (AIMD) and/or with Active Wearable Medical Devices (AWMD), even in conditions of exposure levels below the recognized limits to protect the general public. Accordingly, the medical examinations within the HS program should carefully look for the presence of AIMD and AWMD, as well as for possible signs of over-exposures.