Hematological aspect of occupational electromagnetic field exposure

ABSTRACT

The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of occupational hazards of exposure to electromagnetic field [EMF] on the different blood cell count of the workers in Cairo Electricity Distribution Company. Exposure to magnetic field was calculated to be ranged from 4 to 90 milligauss, and electric field from 0.019 to 8.76 Kv/m. The study showed stimulating effect of [EMF] exposure on blood forming cells manifested by increased erythrocytic count and white blood cell count [WBC]. Red blood cell [RBC] were less in hemoglobin content [MCH] and cell volume [MCV], i.e. erythrocytosis with relative microcytic hypochromic cells. The [WBC] showed leucocytosis with relative neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. There was significant correlation between time of exposure and [WBC] HB%, and [MCV]. The study recommended periodical blood cell count to the exposed to detect early changes apart from the basal count