[Evaluation of selected parameters of circulatory system function in various occupational groups exposed to high frequency electromagnetic fields. II. Electrocardiographic changes].

Abstract

The effect of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the circulatory and nervous systems has been the subject of great interest for many years, since electric impulses generated in these systems by outer electric and magnetic fields can theoretically disturb their functions. The only data on chronic effect of weak EMFs on the human body come from the studies carried out in the Soviet Union between the fifties and the seventies. In view of a growing number of persons exposed to EMF, there is an urgent need for verifying those data by means of modern diagnostic methods. That is the reason why our study of the EMF effect on the circulatory system has been initiated. It covered 71 workers at four AM broadcast stations, 40 workers at ten radio link stations and 42 workers at three radioservices. Workers' exposure to EMF was evaluated (see part I). Subjective and objective medical examinations were performed in all workers in order to assess their state of health, then resting electrocardiogram, Holter measurements, and high intensity ECG were taken, and variation in cardiac rhythm was analysed by a long-term recording of blood pressure. The results of the analysis of the questionnaire survey as well as the Holter and resting ECG examinations are presented. The study indicated that exposure to EMF in parameters found in AM broadcast station increased risk for electrographic disturbances (detected by means of resting ECG and a 24-hour Holter recording) by six times in comparison with that in radio link station workers not exposed to medium wave EMF. In radioservice workers this risk was twice as high as that in link station workers. It seems that in AM broadcast station workers, resting ECG should be complemented by a 24-hour Holter measurements, particularly, if workers complain of the circulatory system disturbances.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Among workers at AM broadcast stations, exposure to EMF (as characterized for that setting) was associated with a six-fold higher risk of electrographic disturbances detected by resting ECG and 24-hour Holter compared with radio link station workers not exposed to medium wave EMF. In radioservice workers, the risk was reported as twice as high as in link station workers.

Outcomes measured

• Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes/disturbances
• Holter (24-hour) ECG abnormalities
• Resting ECG abnormalities
• Cardiac rhythm variation
• Long-term blood pressure recording (used for rhythm analysis)

Limitations

• Exposure metrics and levels are not provided in this abstract (exposure evaluation referenced as part I).
• No information on duration of employment/exposure, participant selection, or baseline comparability between occupational groups.
• Potential confounding by other occupational factors is not addressed in the abstract.
• Outcome definitions and statistical methods (e.g., confidence intervals, adjustment) are not described.

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.9)
  Study compares multiple occupational groups with workplace EMF exposure and ECG outcomes.

{
    "study_type": "cohort",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "occupational",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "chronic (occupational; duration not specified)"
    },
    "population": "Workers at AM broadcast stations, radio link stations, and radioservices",
    "sample_size": 153,
    "outcomes": [
        "Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes/disturbances",
        "Holter (24-hour) ECG abnormalities",
        "Resting ECG abnormalities",
        "Cardiac rhythm variation",
        "Long-term blood pressure recording (used for rhythm analysis)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Among workers at AM broadcast stations, exposure to EMF (as characterized for that setting) was associated with a six-fold higher risk of electrographic disturbances detected by resting ECG and 24-hour Holter compared with radio link station workers not exposed to medium wave EMF. In radioservice workers, the risk was reported as twice as high as in link station workers.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure metrics and levels are not provided in this abstract (exposure evaluation referenced as part I).",
        "No information on duration of employment/exposure, participant selection, or baseline comparability between occupational groups.",
        "Potential confounding by other occupational factors is not addressed in the abstract.",
        "Outcome definitions and statistical methods (e.g., confidence intervals, adjustment) are not described."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "high frequency",
        "occupational exposure",
        "AM broadcast station",
        "radio link station",
        "radioservice",
        "electrocardiogram",
        "Holter monitoring",
        "cardiac rhythm",
        "circulatory system"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Study compares multiple occupational groups with workplace EMF exposure and ECG outcomes."
        }
    ]
}

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