The effect of chronic exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep quality, stress, depression and anxiety

Authors: Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Khanjani N, Ebrahimi MH, Haji B, Abdolahfard M

Year: 2018 Dec 14

Category: Public Health

Journal: Electromagn Biol Med

DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2018.1545665

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30547710

Abstract

Overview

Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) is a common occurrence in certain industrial environments. This study focuses on the potential health impacts of chronic ELF-EMF exposure among power plant workers.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 132 exposed power plant workers and 143 non-exposed workers. ELF-EMF intensity at work stations was measured according to the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard, and sleep quality, stress, depression, and anxiety were assessed using recognized psychological scales.

Findings

  • Workers exposed to higher levels of ELF-EMF reported significantly worse sleep quality.
  • There is a statistically significant increase in depression in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group, with a P-value of 0.039.
  • Increase in ELF-EMF exposure correlates with heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Technicians with the highest exposure to ELF-EMF had noticeably poorer sleep quality than their lesser-exposed counterparts.

Conclusion

This evidence suggests a direct link between long-term occupational exposure to ELF-EMF and several adverse mental health outcomes; particularly, it highlights the connection between ELF-EMF exposure and increased risks of depression, stress, anxiety, and deteriorating sleep quality.

ELF-EMF sleep quality depression anxiety stress electromagnetic fields health effects
← Back to Stats