Effect of Long-term Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Proinflammatory Cytokine and Hematological Parameters

Authors: Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Khanjani N, Samaei E, Nazarkhani F

Year: 2019 Jul 22

Category: Radiation Biology

Journal: Int J Radiat Biol

DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2019.1642542

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31329007

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on key inflammatory and blood parameters within power plant employees, a group highly exposed to these fields.

Materials and Methods

  • Population: 112 exposed and 138 unexposed power plant employees.
  • Measurements: Magnetic flux density, electric field strength based on IEEE C95.3.1.
  • Parameters analyzed: Serum levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); blood counts and volumes.

Findings

Exposed employees displayed significantly higher levels of IL-1β, IL-6, white and red blood cells, lymphocyte percentage, mean corpuscular volume, platelet count, and procalcitonin compared to unexposed employees. The intensity of these effects correlated with the degree of EMF exposure.

Conclusion

Long-term exposure to ELF-EMFs likely elevates the immune system's inflammatory response and impacts several hematological parameters. This aligns with concerns that ELF-EMFs pose health risks, particularly influencing inflammatory processes and potential cell growth abnormalities.

ELF-EMFs proinflammatory cytokines hematological parameters occupational exposure immune response
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