Oxidative stress associated with long term occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields

Authors: Majid Bagheri Hosseinabadi, Narges Khanjani, Pirasteh Norouzi, Seyed Reza Mirbadie, Mozhgan Fazli, Mehdi Mirzaii

Year: 2020 Sep 6

Category: Occupational Health

Journal: Work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203244

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32925155/

Abstract

Overview

Occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) raises significant health concerns due to its potential harmful effects on biological systems.

Objective

The study aims to evaluate the impact of exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in the body.

Methods

  • The research involved 115 power plant workers as the exposed group and 145 office workers as the control group.
  • Biological measurements included Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (Cat), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) levels.
  • Exposure levels were assessed using spot measurements and adhering to the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standards.

Findings

Significant increases in MDA, SOD, and Cat levels were observed in the exposed group compared to the control group. TAC levels, however, showed no significant difference.

Further analysis revealed a correlation between higher exposure levels to electric fields and an increase in MDA and SOD levels. A similar trend was noted with increased exposure to magnetic fields, influencing all studied oxidative stress markers except TAC.

Conclusion

The imbalance in the antioxidant system among power plant workers suggests a potential health risk associated with long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields, emphasizing the need for further studies and protective measures in occupational settings.

oxidative stress ELF-EMFs occupational exposure antioxidant enzymes electric fields magnetic fields power plant workers
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