In Reply:
We appreciate the comments from Bryan et al . regarding our article1that is related to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in operating rooms, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnetic rooms. The anesthesiologists have been exposed to a large amount of EMFs in MRI magnetic rooms because of the recent lack of EMF-safe monitors and machines in an MRI environment. However, there is no specific study about the amount of EMFs in MRI magnetic rooms related to the anesthesiologist and long-term effects of EMFs to the anesthesiologist in an MRI environment. We agree with your opinion that anesthesiologists should consider minimizing the time spent in the MRI magnetic room and should start an epidemiological study for the anesthesiologists working in an MRI environment.
European directive 2004/40/EC on occupational exposure to EMFs was to be implemented in the Member States of the European Union by 2008. Because of some unexpected problems, the deadline was postponed until 2012.2Now is the time, we think, for all anesthesiologists to be interested in their working environment, especially EMFs in operating rooms, MRI magnetic rooms, and intensive care units.
*Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kkj6063@yuhs.ac