MAGNETIC-FIELDS ON BRITISH TRAINS

People on trains can be exposed to static and alternating magnetic fie lds which are higher than background levels in most homes and many wor kplaces. Quantification of such exposure may be of interest for epidem iological purposes but it is also important to ensure that exposure gu idelines are complied with. This article describes the types of electr ic trains and trams in use in the UK and the results of measurements o f static and alternating magnetic flux density. Many of the data have been supplied by the operators of the systems described. The measureme nts summarised in this article are indicative of the magnitudes of mag netic field exposures to be encountered on British trains, but without concomitant frequency information, they are not sufficient to allow d emonstration of compliance with exposure standards. (C) 1998 NRPB. Pub lished by Elsevier Science Ltd.