In our current study, we conducted measurements of students' personal exposure to ELF-MF levels within both the school environment and outside surroundings. This approach allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of how elementary students are exposed to ELF-MF emissions during school hours as well as during after-school activities, including tuition classes, commuting, and time spent at home. When we consider overall data school inside and out exposure level of students, the average ELF-MF exposure lower than general public recommendation of ICNIRP (ICNIRP, 2010).
While previous studies have investigated student children's exposure to ELF-MF emissions, most of them typically provide spot measurements, meaning only one or two measurement points at a given time (IEC 62110:2009, 2009). In our study, we conducted continuous 24-hour measurements of ELF-MF emissions for each student individually. Therefore, this study proposes meaningful methods and criteria for measuring ELF-MF exposure that can be used in future studies.
Among the 32 students, a few exhibited spontaneous surges in ELF-MF values. These values were as follows: participant 3: 4.92 µT, participant 7: 4.09 µT, participant 10: 6.69 µT, participant 16: 13.96 µT, and participant 28: 7.42 µT. During out-of-school hours, magnetic field values of 6.69 µT, 13.96 µT, and 7.42 µT were recorded, which were attributed to the usage of microwave ovens. Students frequently rely on microwave ovens for quick meal preparation, yet it is crucial to recognize the potential health risks associated with radiation exposure. These appliances operate using non-ionising radiation to heat food. To reduce potential health hazards, owners of microwaves should consistently maintain their ovens and avoid using them if any signs of damage or malfunction become apparent. Additionally, maintaining a proper distance while using them can help mitigate the risk of high emission levels (arpansa, 2017; Zhi et al., 2017). Two additional high values of 4.92 µT and 4.09 µT were recorded, attributed to nearby household electrical appliances.
The results of prior research have revealed concerning levels of ELF-MF exposure, particularly in their potential impact on the well-being of children. It is clear that these exposure levels have the capacity to affect various aspects of children's health and development. Previous studies have established a link between ELF-MF exposure and an increased risk of childhood leukemia, a severe and life-threatening condition. This connection underscores the urgent need to address and mitigate ELF-MF exposure to safeguard the health of children(Ahlbom et al., 2000; Kheifets et al., 2010; Schüz et al., 2016) . Furthermore, earlier research has identified associations between ELF-MF exposure and various adverse health outcomes in children, including cognitive disorders, issues with memory performance, frequent headaches, and disruptions in sleep patterns. These findings raise significant concerns regarding the broader cognitive and neurological consequences of ELF-MF exposure in children (Huang et al., 2013; Pall, 2016; Say et al., 2016; W. PREECE K. A. WESNES G. R. IWI, 1998). Therefore, it is imperative that we take immediate action to protect our children from these potential health risks. Given these findings, we recommend the implementation of a comprehensive policy aimed at substantially reducing ELF-MF exposure levels for children. Such a policy should encompass a range of measures, including stricter regulations on electromagnetic field sources in proximity to schools and residential areas, the development of guidelines for safe technology usage by children, and public awareness campaigns to educate parents, caregivers, and educators about the potential risks associated with ELF-MF exposure.
In classrooms, ELF-MF primarily originates from electrical sources such as distribution boxes, wiring, and devices like air conditioners and projectors. Our research has revealed that the number of electrical devices present in a classroom, their proximity to students, as well as the condition of wiring and distribution boxes, all contribute to the extent of ELF-MF exposure that students experience. To mitigate this exposure, it is essential to ensure that students maintain a safe distance from these devices, and we can assess it by measuring exposure levels at various distances.
Regular monitoring of ELF-MF levels in areas where students spend their time during school hours is of paramount importance. Our study demonstrates that adhering to guidelines that advocate maintaining a proper distance from electronic devices and implementing protective measures such as shielding for wiring can significantly reduce ELF-MF exposure. This underscores the necessity of actively managing ELF-MF within schools, including arranging seating to minimize students' exposure within the classroom.
However, it's important to acknowledge a limitation in our study. We only measured ELF-MF for a small group of students on a single weekday, so these findings may not be universally applicable. Future research should encompass different schools and various time periods. Additionally, there is a need to develop comprehensive guidelines for managing ELF-MF exposure in schools and investigate potential health effects on children during their school hours. This is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safety of students in educational environments.