Ergonomics, Health, and Perceptions about Remote Domestic Workposts: Study in Areas of City of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil.

Home office (HO) stands out as one of the most promising and popular forms of teleworking, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, many companies want to implement or maintain this working method, given its numerous advantages. However, there are adverse effects that are mainly related to physical and mental health. This article presents ergonomic analyses of HOs in neighborhoods considered heat islands. Temperature levels, extreme low-frequency non-ionizing radiation (ELF-NIR), illuminance, physical layout characteristics, and physiological parameters of teleworkers were measured. The results reveal that 92% of these professionals work 6 to 8 h daily with an ambient temperature between 25 and 30 °C, illumination levels in the range 11.20-290 Lux, and ELF-NIR > 0.4 µT. The majority of teleworkers are overweight (BMI > 24.9), and some of them have blood pressure higher than average values (129 mmHg for systolic and 84 mmHg for diastolic) in addition to a reduction in the number of red blood cells and hematocrits. Symptoms such as burning sensation, dryness, tired eyes, redness, itching, and photophobia (light sensitivity) show a 68.95% similarity. These HOs do not meet the required ergonomic and health standards.

Human Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation from Indoor Distributed Antenna System: Shopping Mall Measurement Analysis.

It is crucial to monitor the levels of Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) to which the general population may be exposed and compare them to the limits defined in the current standards, in view of the rapid rise of communication services and the prospects of a connected society. A high number of people visits shopping malls and since these locations usually have several indoor antennas close to the public, it is therefore a kind of place that must be evaluated. Thus, this work presents measurements of the electric field in a shopping mall located in Natal, Brazil. We proposed a set of six measurement points, following two criteria: places with great the flow of people and the presence of one or more Distributed Antenna System (DAS), co-sited or not with WiFi access points. Results are presented and discussed in terms of the distance to DAS (conditions: near and far) and flow density of people in the mall (scenarios: low and high number of people). The highest peaks of electric field measured were 1.96 and 3.26 V/m, respectively corresponding to 5% and 8% of the limits defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (ANATEL).

Non-Ionizing Radiation Measurements for Trajectography Radars.

This work presents a Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) measurement campaign and proposes a specific measurement method for trajectography radars. This kind of radar has a high gain narrow beam antenna and emits a high power signal. Power density measurements from a C-band trajectography radar are carried out using bench equipment and a directional receiving antenna, instead of the commonly used isotropic probe. The measured power density levels are assessed for compliance test via comparison with the occupational and general public exposure limit levels of both the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the Brazilian National Telecommunication Agency (Anatel). The limit for the occupational public is respected everywhere, evidencing the safe operation of the studied radar. However, the limit for the general public is exceeded at a point next to the radar's antenna, showing that preventive measures are needed.

Sintomas neurológicos e exposição à radiação eletromagnética da telefonia celular / Neurological symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cellphones / Síntomas neurológicos y exposición a la radiación electromagnética de teléfonos celulares

A tecnologia de comunicação sem fio, embora produza benefícios à exposição à radiação da telefonia celular, tem aumentado a preocupação da comunidade científica e sociedade em geral devido à possibilidade de efeitos adversos na saúde humana. Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a associação entre exposição à radiação eletromagnética não ionizante (Reni) decorrente da estação radiobase de telefonia celular (TC) e sintomas neurológicos na população residente nos bairros do Bonfim e Monte Serrat do município de Salvador/BA. Em um estudo transversal realizado em Salvador/BA, entrevistaram-se 440 indivíduos. Queixas neurológicas constituíram as variáveis dependentes. Realizou-se análise de regressão logística hierarquizada para avaliação de confundimento. Observou-se associação entre sintomas neurológicos e formas de uso do telefone celular (mais de 30 min/dia, com sinal de cobertura fraco, dois ou mais chips e nunca desligar o celular quando dorme) e com uso de outros eletroeletrônicos. A exposição à Reni/TC foi associada aos sintomas neurológicos independente do sexo e escolaridade. Recomenda-se a adoção de medidas precaucionárias no sentido de se reduzir este tipo de exposição.

While wireless communication technology yields benefits, exposure to Radiation/TC has increased the concern of the scientific community and society at large because of their potential to cause adverse effects on human health. We analyzed the association between exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation arising from the cellular radio base station and neurological symptoms in the population living in the Bonfim and Monte Serrat, neighbourhoods of Salvador/BA. This cross-sectional study in Salvador, Bahia, included 440 interviewees. Neurological complaints were the dependent variables. An analysis of hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to assess confounding. We found an association between neurological effects and residential proximity to the BTS, various forms of cell phone use (more than 30 min/day, with weak signal coverage, near the body, two or more chips, and never turning off the phone while sleeping), and the use of other electronics. Exposure to RENI/MP and other electronics were shown to be associated with neurological effects regardless of sex and education. The adoption of precautionary measures to reduce this type of exposure is recommended.

Aunque la tecnología de comunicación inalámbrica beneficia la exposición a la radiación de la telefonía celular, se ha aumentado la preocupación de la comunidad científica y la sociedad en general por la posibilidad de ocasionar efectos adversos a la salud humana. El presente artículo pretende investigar la asociación entre la exposición a la radiación electromagnética no ionizante (Reni) resultante de la estación base de telefonía celular (TC) y los síntomas neurológicos en la población que vive en los barrios de Bonfim y Monte Serrat en la ciudad de Salvador/BA. El estudio transversal realizado en Salvador/BA entrevistó a 440 personas. Las quejas neurológicas fueron las variables dependientes. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística jerárquica para evaluar la confusión. Se observó una asociación entre los síntomas neurológicos y las formas de uso de la telefonía celular (más de 30 min/día, con una señal de cobertura débil, dos o más chips y la costumbre de nunca apagar el móvil cuando duerme) y con el uso de otros dispositivos electro-electrónicos. La exposición a la Reni/CT se asoció con síntomas neurológicos independientemente del género y el nivel de estudios. Se recomiendan medidas de precaución para reducir este tipo de exposición.

Does cell phone use increase the chances of parotid gland tumor development? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prior epidemiological studies had examined the association between cell phone use and the development of tumors in the parotid glands. However, there is no consensus about the question of whether cell phone use is associated with increased risk of tumors in the parotid glands. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the existing literature about the mean question and to determine their statistical significance. METHODS: Primary association studies. Papers that associated cell phone use and parotid gland tumors development were included, with no restrictions regarding publication date, language, and place of publication. Systematic literature search using PubMed, SciELO and Embase followed by meta-analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Initial screening included 37 articles, and three were included in meta-analysis. Using three independent samples including 5087 subjects from retrospective case-control studies, cell phone use seems to be associated with greater odds (1.28, 95%- confidence interval: 1.09-1.51) to develop salivary gland tumor. Results should be read with caution due to the limited number of studies available and their retrospective design.

Cell phone use is associated with an inflammatory cytokine profile of parotid gland saliva.

BACKGROUND: There is controversy on the effects of the non-ionizing radiation emitted by cell phones on cellular processes and the impact of such radiation exposure on health. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cell phone use alters cytokine expression in the saliva produced by the parotid glands. METHODS: Cytokine expression profile was determined by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) in the saliva produced by the parotid glands in healthy volunteers, and correlated with self-reported cell phone use and laterality. RESULTS: The following parameters were determined, in 83 Brazilian individuals in saliva produced by the parotid glands comparing the saliva from the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) to that from the contralateral parotid: salivary flow, total protein concentration, interleukin 1 ß (IL-1 ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) salivary levels by ELISA. After multiple testing correction, decreased IL-10 and increased IL-1ß salivary levels in the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral side (P < 0.05) were detected. Subjects who used cell phones for more than 10 years presented higher differences between IL-10 levels in ipsilateral versus contralateral parotids (P = 0.0012). No difference was observed in any of the tested parameters in correlation with cell phone monthly usage in minutes. CONCLUSION: The exposure of parotid glands to cell phones can alter salivary IL-10 and IL-1ß levels, consistent with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment that may be related to heat production.

Exposição às radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes decorrentes da telefonia celular e efeitos à saúde / Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation resulting from cellular and health effects

O crescimento da Telefonia Celular (TC) e, portanto, do número de Estações Radiobase (ERB), que estabelecem a comunicação com os aparelhos celulares, ampliou a aplicabilidade de serviços decorrentes desta tecnologia sem fio. Embora apresente benefícios para o estilo atual de vida, a TC tem gerado preocupações sobre os possíveis efeitos adversos à saúde das populações expostas às radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes (RENI). Estão inclusos nesta tese o conjunto de três artigos com o objetivo geral de investigar a associação entre exposição a radiações eletromagnéticas não ionizantes decorrentes das ERB/TC e efeitos à saúde. Em estudo de corte transversal, foram aplicados 440 questionários por meio de entrevistas domiciliares em dois bairros na cidade de Salvador/BA...

The growth of mobile phone and therefore the number of base station, which establish communication with mobile devices, has extended the applicability of services under this wireless technology. Although it has benefits for the current lifestyle, mobile phone has generated concerns about possible adverse health effects of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation populations. The set of three articles are included in this thesis with the overall objective to investigate the association between exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation arising from base station of the mobile phone and health symptoms. In cross-sectional study, 440 questionnaires were applied by means of interviews in two neighborhoods in Salvador/BA...

Efectos biológicos y aspectos de seguridad de las radiaciones no ionizantes en la resonancia magnética / Non-Ionizing Biological Effects and Security Issues in Magnetic Resonance

Objetivo: Hacer una revisión, en español, de los efectos biológicos determinísticos de los campos magnéticos estáticos, dinámicos y de radiofrecuencia, propios de los exámenes de resonancia magnética (RM) en hospitales. Metodología: Se hace referencia a los límites definidos dependiendo de los distintos usos de la radiofrecuencia en un examen de RM y sus posibles efectos biológicos. Además, se muestran los aspectos de seguridad que deben tenerse en cuenta cuando se diseñan zonas que incluyan esta técnica diagnóstica. Finalmente, se hace una breve revisión de los temas que deben tener en cuenta los entes reguladores ante este tipo de exámenes con radiaciones no ionizantes. Conclusiones: A pesar de no ser determinantes los estudios sobre riesgo biológico, sí hay riesgos, principalmente por la existencia de altos campos magnéticos, que aconsejan tener ciertas precauciones en cuanto a instalaciones y personal calificado, así como una legislación acorde, de la que, por otra parte, carece Colombia.

Objective: To review the deterministic biological effects of static, dynamic and dependent magnetic fields used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The suggested limits are referenced depending on the different MRI applications, as well as their possible biological effects. In addition, safety aspects which must be taken into account when areas that include this diagnostic technique are shown. Lastly, a short description of the important items for the regulatory authorities to consider when facing these types of test with non-ionizing radiation is discussed. Conclusions: Even though there is no agreement in the literature about the biological risks, risks do exist due to the presence of high magnetic fields. Specific precautions should be taken in terms of proper facilities and qualified personnel, as well as an appropriate legislation which does not exist in Colombia.

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidosa campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentesperíodos do desenvolvimento / DNA integrity and sperm morphology of Wistar rats exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields during different periods of development

A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vemaumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nosúltimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podemgerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêmdemonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicassignificativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos,nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismosbiológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM(60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmentemaduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seudesenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios dealterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativasna morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações namorfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemosconsiderar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando-se a realizaçãode mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM.(AU)

Thesocietys exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due tothe great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well asdistribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields(50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provokesignificantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects werent totallyclarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT)effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality thatwere exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results,EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in spermafter exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductivepotential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health,recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels ofexposure to EMF.(AU)

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidos a campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentes períodos do desenvolvimento / DNA integrity and sperm morphology of Wistar rats exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields during different periods of development

A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vem aumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nos últimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podem gerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêm demonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicas significativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos, nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismos biológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM (60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmente maduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seu desenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios de alterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativas na morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações na morfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemos considerar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando- se a realização de mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM.

The society's exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due to the great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well as distribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provoke significantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects weren't totally clarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality that were exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results, EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in sperm after exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductive potential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health, recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels of exposure to EMF.

Avaliação da imunidade humoral em ratos submetidos à radiação eletromagnética não ionizante / Humoral immunity in rats subjected to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation

The objective of this study was to verify using immunoglobulin dosimetry for IgA, IgG, IgM the possible alterations on the immune system of rats submitted to the non ionizing radiation used by cellular telephony...