[Exposure to electromagnetic fields with frequencies of 50 Hz and changes in the circulatory system in workers at...

Bearing in mind a great diffusion of electromagnetic fields (EMF) with power-line frequency (in Poland-50 Hz) both in the occupational and communal environments, it is not surprising that possible health effects related to this exposure evoke much interest. Electromagnetic fields may affect the circulatory and nervous systems because of theoretical probability that electric impulses, generated by external electric and magnetic fields, may disturb their functions. For this reason we have decided to evaluate the functioning of the circulatory system in persons occupationally exposed to power-line frequency electromagnetic fields by employing the most up-to-date methods facilitating the in-depth diagnosis of the circulatory system and neurovegetative mechanisms. The work presented focused on the evaluation of electrocardiographic changes. The study covered 63 workers of the transforming and distributing stations, aged 22-67 years (median 39 +/- 10), employed under exposure for 2-43 years (median 15 +/- 10). The control group consisted of 42 workers of radio link stations, aged 23-65 years (median 30 +/- 14), employed in the similar system but not exposed to EMF, with employment duration of 1-42 years (median 13 +/- 4). All persons were subject to general medical examinations, resting ECG, and 24 h Holter monitoring. In addition, the level of exposure in individual workplaces was estimated following the measurements of the intensity of electric and magnetic fields. In workers of electromagnetic stations an increased risk for electrocardiographic disturbances was revealed. Under conditions of exposure to electric fields, observed in stations where workers were employed, the risk was increased by 10%.