Occupational Exposure to Static Magnetic Fields from MRI Units in Health Care Settings: a Narrative Review

This paper provides an informed discussion on the state of occupational exposure to static magnetic fields emitted by MRI units, particularly from health care settings. The purpose is to create an understanding on the occupational health implications that develops as a result of exposure to electromagnetic fields from working with MRI scanners. The discussion is based on the biological effects, static magnetic fields exposure limits by ICNIRP, projectile effects based on the strength of the magnet and lastly the magnitude and extend to which MRI staff is exposed. In this review, the author recognizes that there is a shortage of literature that outlines the quantification of exposure from different MRI units when interventional examinations are performed. Furthermore, there is also a scarcity of information on the long-term health effects of exposure to static magnetic fields and the association between magnitude, frequency as well as duration of exposure.