Medical/biological study (observational study)

Primary DNA damage in welders occupationally exposed to extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) med./bio.

By: Villarini M, Dominici L, Fatigoni C, Levorato S, Vannini S, Monarca S, Moretti M

Published in: Ann Ig 2015; 27 (3): 511-519

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The genotoxic effects in the blood of welders occupationally exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields should be investigated.

Background/further details

Two groups of male subjects were used (n=21 each): 1) an exposure group comprising electric arc welders and 2) a control group comprising non-exposed subjects matched for age, residence and smoking habit.
Blood samples from exposed subjects were collected at the end of the work-shift after at least four consecutive days of work simultaneously with the samples from the control group.
For each subject, 50 cells per slide from at least three replicate slides were investigated.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes

Exposure

- 50 Hz
- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- high volt./current device/welder
- occupational

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: repeated daily exposure (occupational, work-shift from 7 am to 5 pm)	magnetic flux density: 0.03 µT minimum (± 0.01 µT) magnetic flux density: 170.78 µT maximum (± 20.71 µT) magnetic flux density: 7.81 µT mean (± 1.39 µT)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	repeated daily exposure (occupational, work-shift from 7 am to 5 pm)

Exposure setup

Exposure source	welding equipment
Setup	exposed subjects were from two welding companies in Perugia (Italy), both of which use metal active gas (MAG) welding processes, with a 80/20 % mixture of argon and CO₂; occupational exposure to ELF-MF was measured using personal dosimeters placed in a shirt pocket or on a belt; measures were taken every 20 seconds over the 10-hour period
Additional info	the exposure of subjects in the non-occupationally-exposed control group was not monitored

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.03 µT	minimum	measured	-	± 0.01 µT
magnetic flux density	170.78 µT	maximum	measured	-	± 20.71 µT
magnetic flux density	7.81 µT	mean	measured	-	± 1.39 µT

Additional parameter details

the exposure was measured continuously during one complete work-shift (7 am to 5 pm)

Exposed system:

human

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage (tail length, tail intensity and tail moment (product of tail intensity and length); alkaline Comet assay)
questionnaire on age, nature of occupation, work experience, years of service, personal habits (e.g. health status, past and present diseases, smoking habit, alcohol and drug consumption and other potential confounders)

Investigated system:

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Tail intensity and tail moment were significantly lower in the exposure group compared to the control group. There were no differences in the tail length between both groups.
The authors conclude that there was less DNA damage in the blood of welders occupationally exposed to 50 Hz magnet fields than in probands without this occupational exposure.

Study character:

medical/biological study
observational study
pilot/exploratory/preliminary study
blind study (blinded analysis)

Study funded by

Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia, Italy
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali (Ministry of Labour and Social Policies), Italy

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