EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON HEMATOPOISIS SYSTEM: STUDY ON WORKERS AT HIGH- VOLTAGE SUBSTATIONS
Abstract
Introduction: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between occupational exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields and risk of Hematological changes among workers at High- voltage substations. This is a case - control study. In the present study 79 worker exposed to electromagetic fields (EMFs) were compared to 50 control subjects who were not occupationaly exposed to EMFs.
Methods: To measurement the levels of exposure to Lf electric and magnetic fields the strength of electric and magnetic field was determined by Dosimetric method. Worker"s blood samples were collected and analyzed for identification of leukemia and other abnormalities. Questionnaire and physical examination were used to study the effects of ELF fields on worker"s health. Measurements showed a high strength of ELF fields at the work places i.e.
Results: Mean value of RBC and Hematocrit decreased significantly among exposed workers compared to controls (P < 0.05), but MCV, MCH and MCHC increased. The value of Neutrophiles increased but Lymphocytes decreased significantly among workers considering their workhistory (P < 0.05).
Discussion: Moreover, tow leukemics (ALL, AML) and ten hypocromic anemias were found. In conclusion study groups are similar in personal characteristics, the difference in RBC, MCV, MCH has to attributed to ELF fields.
Methods: To measurement the levels of exposure to Lf electric and magnetic fields the strength of electric and magnetic field was determined by Dosimetric method. Worker"s blood samples were collected and analyzed for identification of leukemia and other abnormalities. Questionnaire and physical examination were used to study the effects of ELF fields on worker"s health. Measurements showed a high strength of ELF fields at the work places i.e.
Results: Mean value of RBC and Hematocrit decreased significantly among exposed workers compared to controls (P < 0.05), but MCV, MCH and MCHC increased. The value of Neutrophiles increased but Lymphocytes decreased significantly among workers considering their workhistory (P < 0.05).
Discussion: Moreover, tow leukemics (ALL, AML) and ten hypocromic anemias were found. In conclusion study groups are similar in personal characteristics, the difference in RBC, MCV, MCH has to attributed to ELF fields.
Keywords
ELF, Hematolocical Changes, Leukemia, Electromagnetic Fields, High-Voltage Substation