Medical/biological study (experimental study, observational study)

Study of human neurovegetative and hematologic effects of environmental low-frequency (50-Hz) electromagnetic fields produced by transformers med./bio.

By: Bonhomme-Faivre L, Marion S, Bezie Y, Auclair H, Fredj G, Hommeau C

Published in: Arch Environ Health 1998; 53 (2): 87-92

To conduct a survey of neurovegetative and hematologic disorders in a population (n = 13) exposed occupationally to environmental electromagnetic fields.

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: 8 h/d for 1-5 yrs	magnetic flux density: 200 nT minimum (mean daily over 1 wk period) magnetic flux density: 6.6 µT maximum (mean daily over 1 wk period)

Exposure source	high-tension cables, transformers, power generators etc.

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	200 nT	minimum	calculated	-	mean daily over 1 wk period
magnetic flux density	6.6 µT	maximum	calculated	-	mean daily over 1 wk period

Exposed system:

Investigated system:

Investigated organ system:

Time of investigation:

The exposed population had a significant increase in the degree of certain neurovegetative disorders. Additionally, the population experienced a significant fall in total lymphocytes and CD4, CD3, and CD2 lymphocytes, as well as a rise in natural killer cells. Leukopenia and neutropenia were also revealed in two persons permanently exposed to doses of 1.2-6.6 µT. The disorders disappeared when exposure stopped, and they reappeared on re-exposure.

Study character:

Tiwari R et al. (2013): The Potential Bioeffects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Melatonin Levels & Related Oxidative Stress in Electric Utility Workers Exposed to 132 kV Substation
Touitou Y et al. (2013): Long-term (up to 20 years) effects of 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on immune system and hematological parameters in healthy men
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Cakir DU et al. (2009): Alterations of Hematological Variations in Rats Exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (50Hz)
Gobba F et al. (2009): Natural killer cell activity decreases in workers occupationally exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields exceeding 1 microT
Canseven AG et al. (2006): Suppression of natural killer cell activity on Candida stellatoidea by a 50 Hz magnetic field
Ichinose TY et al. (2004): Immune markers and ornithine decarboxylase activity among electric utility workers
Bonhomme-Faivre L et al. (2003): Effects of electromagnetic fields on the immune systems of occupationally exposed humans and mice
Kula B et al. (1999): Effect of Electromagnetic Field on Serum Biochemical Parameters in Steelworkers