In Kiras-project “SAFE TETRA” the safety aspects of the application of TETRA-transmitters nearby persons with cardiac pacemakers and the exposition of the TETRA-users was evaluated.
Several studies have demonstrated that mobile telephones that use different technologies, such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) have the potential to influence the functionality of active electronic implants, such as cardiac pacemakers. TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) has become a well-established communication standard in many countries, including Germany or Austria. TETRA transmitters are typically used by police forces and emergency services. Employees and volunteers working for such institutions are often in close contact with patients, making an impact of the functionality of the implants of patients by TETRA transmitters possible.
Therefore, the main focus of our study was to investigate the functionality of several types of implants positioned in a model of the human body when exposed to TETRA transmitters. Our results show that a compliance distance of 30 cm between implant and transmitter is sufficient to exclude any influence on the examined implants. Moreover, we investigated by the application of numerical simulation the difference in the degree of exposure of users of TETRA transmitters when carrying the devices at different typical locations near the body, and using them in different positions near the head. All examined exposure conditions demonstrated that the levels were well below recommended limits (max. 47% of the limit). If a user wants to minimize their exposure, use of transmitters in front of the mouth leads to somewhat lower exposure when compared to mobile phone like use.
The results of this study were summarized in a brochure for the TETRA-users in the emergency services and were published in several scientific journals.
Publication:
Cecil, S., Neubauer, G., Rauscha, F., Stix, G., Müller, W., Breithuber, C., & Glanzer, M. (2014). Possible risks due to exposure of workers and patients with implants by TETRA transmitters: TETRA Transmitter Exposure With Implants. Bioelectromagnetics, 35(3), 192-200. https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.21839
Duration:
01.10.2009 - 30.11.2010
Project leader:
Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, EMC & Optics
Project partner:
Bundesministerium für Inneres, Abteilung IV/8
Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz
Contact:
Dipl. Ing. Dr. Georg Neubauer
Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, EMC & Optics, Seibersdorf, 2444 Seibersdorf
Tel. 0043 50550 2807
georg.neubauer@seibersdorf-laboratories.at