/Enterprise Risk Management
Environmental Health and Safety

MRI AND OTHER NON-IONIZING RADIATION

 

Non-ionizing radiation is lower energy radiation that is not energetic enough to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, whether in matter or living organisms. This spectrum includes ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and extremely low frequency (ELF). Found in many workplaces, non-ionizing radiation can present a health risk to exposed employees if not managed effectively. Contact the Radiation Safety Office at radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu to request assistance or additional information.

 

MRI

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-ionizing imaging modality used for clinical and research applications. It is important to navigate MR areas with caution and adhere to mandatory safety practices. Stony Brook Radiation Safety provides annual MRI safety training for Level 1 and Level 2 personnel through the Learning Management System.

  • Zone I includes all areas freely accessible to the general public where the magnet field poses no hazards, such as the entrance to the MR facility.
  • Zone II is located between Zone I and the more restrictive Zone III. In Zone II patients are under general supervision of MR personnel or personnel with Level 1 access. Zone II often includes the reception area, dressing rooms and MRI screening rooms.
  • Zone III is access-restricted by physical barriers such as doors with coded access. Inside Zone III, only approved Level 2 personnel and patients that have undergone MRI screening are allowed. The MR control room is in Zone III.
  • Zone IV is the room where the magnet is located. Access to Zone IV should only be possible by passing through Zone III.

Image of an office floor plan indicating four zones. Zone I is shaded green and is the waiting room. Zone II is shaded yellow and is the patient dressing room. Zone III is shaded orange and is the control room. Zone IV is shaded red and is the magnet room.

Personnel who access MRI zones I and II are considered Level 1 personnel. All Level 1 personnel are required to complete annual MRI Safety Training. Please visit our training course list and description webpage for more information.

If you feel like this training is applicable to you and you have not yet been enrolled, please contact Radiation Safety at radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-6410.

Personnel who access all MRI zones are considered Level 2 personnel. All Level 2 personnel are required to complete annual MRI Safety Training. Please visit our training course list and description webpage for more information.

If you feel like this training is applicable to you and you have not yet been enrolled, please contact Radiation Safety at radiationsafety@stonybrook.edu or call (631) 632-6410.

Terry Button, PhD, DABR, DABMP
Dr. Button is a medical physicist with more than 30 years’ experience. He is certified by the American Board of Medical Physics in MRI Physics and Diagnostic Imaging Physics and the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Imaging Physics. As the Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO), Dr. Button oversees the safe operation of MRI systems at Stony Brook.

 

Lasers

The laser safety programs at Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine oversee the safe use of lasers to mitigate hazards in research and clinical environments. Please visit the lasers webpage for more information.

 

Other Non-Ionizing

Electronic devices may emit radiation from the non-ionizing regions of the electromagnetic spectrum such as radio waves and microwaves. Regulatory agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) address the health concern of these radiations and provide best practices for consumers.

Cellphones and other wireless devices emit Radio Frequency (RF) energy waves. RF energy is a type of non-ionizing radiation. Government agencies have addressed the important issue of safety by setting safety guidelines that limit RF exposure from wireless devices, and they continue to study the effects of long-term exposure to low levels of RF.

Since 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required that all wireless communications devices sold in the United States meet its minimum guidelines for safe human exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy. All wireless devices sold in the US go through a formal FCC approval process to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum allowable SAR level when operating at the device’s highest possible power level.

Stony Brook uses wireless products that comply with FCC RF exposure limits. Wireless access points are installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions to ensure that they meet safety guidelines for personnel exposure.

For more information about health concerns related to the installation and use of wireless devices, please visit the following websites:

 

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DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SAFETY AND RADIATION SAFETY OFFICER

Michelle Kehoe  |  (631) 632-9676  |  Michelle.Kehoe@stonybrook.edu