Key result
Occupational medium frequency electromagnetic field exposure linked to a ~3-fold higher rate of ECG abnormalities.
Why the study?
Does occupational exposure to medium frequency electromagnetic fields increase electrocardiographic abnormalities in workers?
Cross-Sectional (n=93)
Yes
Does occupational exposure to medium frequency electromagnetic fields increase electrocardiographic abnormalities in workers?
Absolute Event Rate: 75% vs 25%
p-value: p=0.006
Occupational exposure to medium frequency electromagnetic fields is associated with a significantly higher frequency of electrocardiographic abnormalities, particularly rhythm disturbances.
Should not yet alter occupational exposure guidelines; hypothesis-generating for electromagnetic field effects on cardiac conduction.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of the circulatory system in workers occupationally exposed to medium frequency electromagnetic fields. The subjects were 71 workers at four AM broadcast stations [0.738-1.503 MHz] aged 20-68 (mean 46.9 +/- 13.1) years and 22 workers at radio link stations aged 23-67 (mean 48.2 +/- 17.4) years. Workers at AM broadcast stations experienced 2-40 (mean 18.6 +/- 12.1) years' exposure to electromagnetic fields (average daily exposure dose about 115 Vh m-1, maximum exposure levels during shift about 165 V m-1), workers at radio link stations had no history of regular exposure to electromagnetic fields. In all the subjects a general medical examination, resting ECG and 24 h Holter monitoring were performed. The work organization, work period structure, age, lifestyle, nutritional habits and health status in both groups remained fairly similar. The electrocardiographic abnormalities detected in the resting and/ or 24 h ECG were significantly more frequent (p = 0.006) in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields than in non-exposed subjects (75% versus 25%). A clear tendency for a higher number of rhythm disturbances (mostly ExV) was observed in AM broadcast station workers.
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Bortkiewicz et al. (1997) conducted a cross-sectional in Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (n=93). Medium frequency electromagnetic fields vs. No regular exposure to electromagnetic fields was evaluated on Electrocardiographic abnormalities detected in the resting and/or 24 h ECG (p=0.006). Occupational exposure to medium frequency electromagnetic fields was associated with a significantly higher rate of electrocardiographic abnormalities compared to unexposed workers (75% vs 25%, p=0.006).
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