Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [ELF ENF] on immunologic parameters in occupationally exposed electric utility workers

ABSTRACT

EMF [or Electro Magnetic Field] is a broad term which includes electric generated by charged particles, magnetic fields generated by charged particles in motion, and radiated fields such as TV, radio, and microwaves. Despite the many wonderful conveniences of electrical technology, the effects of EMF on biological tissue remains the most controversial aspect of the EMF issue with virally all scientists agreeing that more research is necessary to determine safe or dangerous levels. Some occupations were found to be exposed to high magnetic fields. Some work places, such as the transformer substation, generally had a uniform and high magnetic field measurement. The present study aimed at investigating whether or not Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field [ELF EMF] emitted in electric power stations affect some immunologic and haematologic parameters of the exposed workers in addition to verification of the hypothesis that [ELF EMF] induces the process of phagocytosis which then enhances the release of reactive oxygen species leading to DNA damage with subsequent carcinogenesis. 31male workers engaged in 2 high power stations running at 66/11 and 220 kilovolts were taken as an exposed group with 31 male matched individuals taken as a control group. Every subject was subjected to complete blood count, flow cytometric assessment of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD56 cells in addition to estimation of serum malondialdehyde [MDA] and phagocytic parameters. Significant increase in both RBCs and WBCs counts were found among the exposed groups. A significant depression of percentage of lymphocytes and CD3 positive cell receptors were detected among the exposed group and this depression was negatively correlated with the duration of work. Remarkable increase in the lipid per oxidation product [MDA] was detected in the exposed group in addition to marked depression of phagocytic perameters which was negatively correlated with the duration of work. Occupational exposure to ELF EMF may carry the risk of immunological disturbances which were identified in disturbed ratios of different lymphocytes subsets. The increased level of serum MDA may explain the increased cancer risk reported before by many research studies