Epidemiological study (observational study)

Investigating the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on job burnout syndrome and the severity of depression; the role of oxidative stress epidem.

By: Bagheri Hosseinabadi M, Khanjani N, Ebrahimi MH, Mousavi SH, Nazarkhani F

Published in: J Occup Health 2020; 62 (1): e12136

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran to investigate the possible effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on occupational burnout syndrome and the severity of depression experienced among thermal power plant workers. Furthermore, the role of oxidative stress in developing burnout syndrome and depression should be examined.

The participants filled in questionnaires of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Beck's Depression Inventory to assess the burnout syndrome and the severity of depression. Blood samples of all participants were collected to analyze the SOD, catalase, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde levels.

Type of risk estimation:

measurement: 2 min measurement at work stations
calculation: 8-h time-weighted average of the magnetic flux density and electric field strength

Group	Description
Reference group 1	unexposed group (hospital administrative staff): 1.4 ± 0,82 µT (mean magnetic flux density)
Group 2	exposed group (employees of a thermal power plant): 23.8 ± 14.64 µT (mean magnetic flux density)
Reference group 3	unexposed group (hospital administrative staff): 3.8 ± 1.75 V/m (mean electric field strength)
Group 4	exposed group (employees of a thermal power plant): 24.9 ± 12.9 V/m (mean electric field strength)

Group:
- men
Characteristics: employees working in different parts of a thermal power plant with a minimum of 2 years work experience and full-time work
Observation period: not stated
Study location: Iran (Semnan)
Exclusion criteria: smoking, use of antioxidants, unwillingness to participate

Type	Value
Total	147
Participants	115

Other:

unexposed group: 124 hospital administrative staff

Statistical analysis method:

In the exposed group the malondialdehyde and SOD levels were significantly lower in comparison to the unexposed group. The exposed group reported more often burnout syndrome and higher depression severity compared to the unexposed group. Work experience, malondialdehyde level and levels of exposure to magnetic fields were identified as the most important predictor variables for burnout syndrome and severity of depression. Moreover, a decrease in the catalase level was associated with increased burnout syndrome.
The authors concluded that thermal power plant workers exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields were at risk of burnout syndrome and depression. These effects might be caused directly by occupational exposure to magnetic fields or indirectly due to increased oxidative stress indices.

Bagheri Hosseinabadi M et al. (2021): Oxidative stress associated with long term occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields
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