Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive

Abstract

Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area Sert C, Başak N, Koruk İ. Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area. Electromagn Biol Med. 2024 May 3:1-11. doi: 10.1080/15368378.2024.2348574. Abstract Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18-40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Şanlıurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values. Plain language summary Electromagnetic field pollution causes various health problems in living systems. Research on this subject continues. We investigated electromagnetic field pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and investigated the psychological effects on individuals exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric and magnetic field measurements were made at 0 points, 1 meter, 2 meters away and at the closest places to the transformer in 44 substations. The experimental group was individuals living near a transformer, the control group was individuals living outside the city center and without a transformer/high transmission line near their home. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression test. The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. As a result, no statistical change was observed regarding a relationship between electromagnetic pollution and anxiety-depression. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Electric and magnetic field measurements were taken at an electricity distribution center and 44 substations at multiple distances/locations. Maximum recorded MF and EF values were 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively; all MF values were below standards, while EF values were above standards at some points. The study reports no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety/depression symptoms (p > 0.05).

Outcomes measured

• Anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI)
• Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI)
• Measured electric field (EF) levels
• Measured magnetic field (MF) levels

Limitations

• Exposure duration not described.
• Specific statistical results beyond p > 0.05 not provided in the abstract.
• Standards/limit values referenced but not specified.
• Potential confounding control beyond excluding certain chronic diseases is not detailed in the abstract.
• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.35)
  Exposure assessment conducted at electricity distribution center/substations; although participants are residents, the setting is power infrastructure.

{
    "study_type": "cross_sectional",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "substation/transformer (electricity distribution center and substations)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Adults aged 18–40 years living near an electricity distribution center or near transformers in Şanlıurfa city center (Turkey), compared with controls living outside the city center without nearby transformers/high transmission lines and without chronic diseases that could cause stress.",
    "sample_size": 105,
    "outcomes": [
        "Anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI)",
        "Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI)",
        "Measured electric field (EF) levels",
        "Measured magnetic field (MF) levels"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Electric and magnetic field measurements were taken at an electricity distribution center and 44 substations at multiple distances/locations. Maximum recorded MF and EF values were 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively; all MF values were below standards, while EF values were above standards at some points. The study reports no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety/depression symptoms (p > 0.05).",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure duration not described.",
        "Specific statistical results beyond p > 0.05 not provided in the abstract.",
        "Standards/limit values referenced but not specified.",
        "Potential confounding control beyond excluding certain chronic diseases is not detailed in the abstract.",
        "Cross-sectional design limits causal inference."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF EMF",
        "electric field",
        "magnetic field",
        "substation",
        "transformer",
        "electricity distribution center",
        "anxiety",
        "depression",
        "Beck Anxiety Inventory",
        "Beck Depression Inventory",
        "Şanlıurfa"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Exposure assessment conducted at electricity distribution center/substations; although participants are residents, the setting is power infrastructure."
        }
    ]
}

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