Effect of Occupational Exposure to Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cataract Development

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Institution: Zahedan Electricity Company Tags: low-frequency electromagnetic fields, occupational exposure, cataract, eye health, power lines, visual impairment, epidemiology DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v20.12281 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview ⚡ Purpose: Cataracts are the second leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. This study aimed to examine the impact of occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields on cataract development. Methods - 100 employees of Zahedan Electricity Company were enrolled. - Participants assigned to four groups: regular, operational, operator personnel (all exposed), and non-exposure. - LOCS III grading system used to evaluate risk for different cataract types: nuclear, posterior subcapsular, and cortical. Findings - 👁 Cataract frequency: 62.2% in the exposure group vs 53.8% in the non-exposure group. - Significant difference observed for nuclear opacity grading (P = 0.003). - 💡 Correlation found: Nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were significantly associated with longer work experience in the exposure group (P < 0.018). Conclusion 🚩 This study's findings indicate that occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields, such as those found near power lines, power plants, and distribution posts, may be a risk factor for cataract development, especially nuclear cataracts.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Among 100 electricity company employees grouped by exposure status, cataract frequency was 62.2% in the exposure group versus 53.8% in the non-exposure group. A significant difference was reported for nuclear opacity grading (P=0.003), and nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were significantly associated with longer work experience in the exposure group (P<0.018).

Outcomes measured

• Cataract frequency/prevalence
• Nuclear cataract (nuclear opacity grading; LOCS III)
• Posterior subcapsular cataract grading (LOCS III)
• Cortical cataract grading (LOCS III)

Limitations

• Exposure metrics (field strength, frequency, or dosimetry) not reported in the abstract
• Study design appears observational/cross-sectional, limiting causal inference
• Potential confounding factors and adjustment methods not described in the abstract
• Group sizes and exact definitions of exposure categories not provided in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.95)
  Study examines occupational low-frequency EMF exposure among electricity company employees and cataract outcomes.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "occupational",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "longer work experience (duration not quantified)"
    },
    "population": "Employees of Zahedan Electricity Company",
    "sample_size": 100,
    "outcomes": [
        "Cataract frequency/prevalence",
        "Nuclear cataract (nuclear opacity grading; LOCS III)",
        "Posterior subcapsular cataract grading (LOCS III)",
        "Cortical cataract grading (LOCS III)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Among 100 electricity company employees grouped by exposure status, cataract frequency was 62.2% in the exposure group versus 53.8% in the non-exposure group. A significant difference was reported for nuclear opacity grading (P=0.003), and nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were significantly associated with longer work experience in the exposure group (P<0.018).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure metrics (field strength, frequency, or dosimetry) not reported in the abstract",
        "Study design appears observational/cross-sectional, limiting causal inference",
        "Potential confounding factors and adjustment methods not described in the abstract",
        "Group sizes and exact definitions of exposure categories not provided in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "low-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "ELF",
        "occupational exposure",
        "cataract",
        "nuclear cataract",
        "posterior subcapsular cataract",
        "LOCS III",
        "power lines",
        "power plants",
        "distribution posts",
        "eye health",
        "epidemiology"
    ],
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