Control technology and radiation protection programme

8.4. Medical surveillance

Medical surveillance of RF workers serves the following purposes:

1.Assessment of the health status of the worker before starting work involving RF exposure (pre-employment), during the period involving RF exposure, and at the end of occupational RF exposure. Longitudinal records of this type allow detection of contraindications and assure protection of the worker and safe RF use.

2.Detection and early prevention and treatment of any adverse exposure effects that might not have been anticipated in exposure guidelines.

3.Collection of precise individual data on RF exposures and adequate medical records that can be used in future epidemiological studies.

8.4.1 Normal conditions

In many countries the initial and periodic examinations of workers are a legal requirement; in other countries industrial employers and governmental agencies may require similar pre-employment examinations and periodic check-ups.

Contraindications to employment with RF exposure should be considered. Persons with cardiac pacemakers, or with surgically implanted metallic appliances may be especially sensitive to the effect of an RF field. Although exposure guidelines with their safety margins provide considerable protection against thermal overload due to absorption of RF radiation, persons with limited cardiovascular reserves who may work at an elevated workplace temperature may need additional medical surveillance.

8.4.2 Abnormal conditions

When overexposure occurs, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the exposure, a medical examination may be required. So far no unique syndrome requiring highly specialized treatment has been identified. Treatment can be expected to be symptomatic and deal with local or systemic thermal excursions.

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