Study type: Medical/biological study (observational study)

Neurovegetative disturbances in workers exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields med./bio.

Published in: Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2006; 19 (1): 53-60

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study the cardiovascular function in workers occupationally exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields.

Background/further details

The study group comprised 63 workers of switchyard substations and the control group 42 workers with comparable workplaces with no electromagnetic field exposure.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: duration of employment 1 to 41 years

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Waveform
Exposure duration duration of employment 1 to 41 years
Additional info Occupational exposure.
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Additional info The exposed group comprised of 63 male technical service workers, aged 22-67 years, at four substations. The control group consisted of of 42 male technical service workers, aged 20-68 years, at four radio link stations.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 37.3 µT maximum measured - to 26.1 µT
electric field strength 6.7 kV/m maximum measured - to 4.3 kV/m

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The relative risk of decreased heart rate variability was significantly higher in the exposed group than in controls. The very low frequency power spectrum was significantly higher in the exposed group and correlated with the exposure level. The percentage of subjects with dominant sympathetic function was significantly higher in the study group than in controls (65% vs. 47%).
It was concluded that occupational exposure to 50 Hz electromagentic fields could influence the neurovegetative regulation of the cardiovascular system.

Study character:

Study funded by

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