Measuring and assessing the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on blood parameters and liver enzymes of personnel working in high voltage power stations in a petrochemical industry.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) is a phenomenon that has always been present. In the last two decades, there have been numerous worries about the possible effects of extremely low-frequency (ELF) fields on human health. Consequently, this study aims to measure and evaluate the effect of ELF fields on blood parameters and liver enzymes of personnel working in high-voltage power stations in the petrochemical industry. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was done in a petrochemical industry in southern Iran in 2021. Two groups of 50 people were selected to attain the research goals and classify jobs with the risk of exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and the time spent on work. One group was exposed to ELF-EMF, and the other was regarded as the control group. Electromagnetic fields were measured using the HI-3604 device and the standard method of IEEE 1994-644. The workers' demographic data, blood parameters, and liver enzymes were also obtained from the workers' medical records. The course of changes in each of the blood parameters and liver enzymes and demographic variables in the control and case groups were then examined. In the last stage, the effect of the electric field and magnetic field on the blood parameters and liver enzymes of the two control and subject groups was conducted using the multiple regression model. RESULTS: The measured points in all stations are 200, and the minimum and maximum values of the magnetic field was 0.8 and 2019 mG, respectively. The minimum and maximum values of the electric field intensity was 0.003 and 215 V/m, respectively. The average results of the demographic variables and blood and liver indices in the control and case groups from 2018 to 2020 revealed that the average variables were not significantly different in the case and control groups (p-value>0.05). Moreover, workers' exposure to ELF-EMF was below the permissible limit. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, does not have any significant effects on demographic factors, blood parameters, and liver enzymes.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a cross-sectional comparison of 50 exposed workers and 50 controls, average demographic variables and blood/liver indices (2018–2020) were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05). Measured electric and magnetic field exposures were reported to be below permissible limits.

Outcomes measured

• Blood parameters
• Liver enzymes
• Demographic variables

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design
• Exposure duration not reported in the abstract
• Specific blood parameters and liver enzymes not listed in the abstract
• Permissible limit standard not specified in the abstract

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.9)
  Study evaluates ELF-EMF exposure and health markers among workers in high-voltage power stations.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "occupational",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Personnel working in high-voltage power stations in a petrochemical industry (southern Iran)",
    "sample_size": 100,
    "outcomes": [
        "Blood parameters",
        "Liver enzymes",
        "Demographic variables"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a cross-sectional comparison of 50 exposed workers and 50 controls, average demographic variables and blood/liver indices (2018–2020) were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05). Measured electric and magnetic field exposures were reported to be below permissible limits.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [
        "Cross-sectional design",
        "Exposure duration not reported in the abstract",
        "Specific blood parameters and liver enzymes not listed in the abstract",
        "Permissible limit standard not specified in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency",
        "ELF-EMF",
        "occupational exposure",
        "high-voltage power stations",
        "petrochemical industry",
        "blood parameters",
        "liver enzymes",
        "electric field",
        "magnetic field"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Study evaluates ELF-EMF exposure and health markers among workers in high-voltage power stations."
        }
    ]
}

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