Power-frequency magnetic fields from electric blankets

Power-frequency (50/60-Hz) magnetic fields produced by electric blankets are estimated using a three-dimensional computer model. Maximum, minimum, and volume-averaged fields within human forms are presented as a function of blanket type and a number of geometric factors including body size, body-blanket separation, and lateral body position. When blankets are heating, typical flux densities range from a few milligauss on the side of the body farthest from the blanket up to a few hundred milligauss on the side closest to the blanket. Flux densities averaged over the whole body are 10-30 mG with typical values of 15 mG. Comparison with exposure from other sources indicate that electric blanket use contributes significantly to time- and body-averaged 60-Hz magnetic field exposure