Exposure assessment and cytogenetic biomonitoring study of workers occupationally exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields

Authors: Nguyen H, Vandewalle G, Mertens B, Collard JF, Hinsenkamp M, Verschaeve L, Feipel V, Magne I, Souques M, Beauvois V, Ledent M

Year: 2024 Jun 11

Category: Occupational Health, Cytogenetics, Epidemiology

Journal: Bioelectromagnetics

Institution: Not specified

DOI: 10.1002/bem.22506

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38862415/

Abstract

Overview

Human cytogenetic biomonitoring (HCB) is a key method to evaluate how workplace exposures may impact the DNA integrity of workers. Previous research into the genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-MFs) has been limited due to challenges in assessing exposure accurately—specifically, issues regarding exposure metrics, assessment methods, and how exposure groups are defined.

Findings

  • This study assessed the genotoxic effects of ELF-MFs on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 88 electrical sector workers using comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays. It utilized actual exposure data over three consecutive days and various methods to classify exposure groups.
  • Overall, the summarized ELF-MF data indicated low exposure levels across the group, but analysis also revealed that using job titles alone could misclassify some workers (12 out of 88) into inappropriate exposure groups.
  • By combining hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on personal exposure data and job titles, the authors proposed a more precise definition of exposure groups.

Conclusion

  • The final results indicate that occupational MF exposure at the observed levels did not significantly induce greater genetic damage among workers. Factors such as age or previous smoking history, rather than ELF-MF exposure, may affect the cytogenetic test outcomes.

Highlights

  • Exposure assessment should prioritize workers' actual exposure data for accuracy.
  • Though average exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields was low, there was considerable variability between workers, making cluster analysis valuable for defining exposure groups.
  • There was no significant increase in DNA or chromosomal damage in workers' blood samples related to occupational exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields in this study.
ELF-MF occupational exposure cytogenetic biomonitoring DNA damage electrical workers magnetic fields cluster analysis
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