Study type: Medical/biological study (observational study)

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hematologic and immunologic parameters in welders med./bio.

Published in: Arch Med Res 2002; 33 (1): 29-32

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

Background/further details

16 male welders and 14 healthy males (control group) between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles participated.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure setup
Exposure source
  • welding machines
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1 m
Chamber workplace
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 100 µT minimum measured unspecified -
magnetic flux density 250 µT maximum measured unspecified -

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

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

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8 were lower in the welders than in the control subjects, the hematocrit levels of the welders were higher than those of the control group. However, the differences observed were not clinically significant and in conclusion, the data indicate that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

Study character:

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