Medical/biological study (observational study)

Genotoxic hazard evaluation in welders occupationally exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) med./bio.

By: Dominici L, Villarini M, Fatigoni C, Monarca S, Moretti M

Published in: Int J Hyg Environ Health 2011; 215 (1): 68-75

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cytogenetic monitoring study was carried out in a group of welders to investigate the genotoxic risk of occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields.

Background/further details

Micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange in peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed in 21 workers of two metal-working companies in Italy with considerable long-term exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields during electric arc welding. 21 non-exposed blood donors served as reference group.

Endpoint

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage (micronuclei formation and sister chromatid exchange)

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- high volt./current device/welder
- occupational

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: during the working shift (7 am to 5 pm)	magnetic flux density: 0.03 µT minimum magnetic flux density: 345.06 µT maximum magnetic flux density: 7.81 µT mean (± 1,7 µT (whole population))

General information

Individual exposure assessment in 21 workers of two metal-working companies.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	during the working shift (7 am to 5 pm)

Exposure setup

Exposure source	electric arc welding apparatus

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	0.03 µT	minimum	measured	-	-
magnetic flux density	345.06 µT	maximum	measured	-	-
magnetic flux density	7.81 µT	mean	calculated	-	± 1,7 µT (whole population)

Additional parameter details

The dosimeter used (Microrad HT300) measures only the magnetic field produced by the alternating current from transformers, usually not very far from the welder, but not the static magnetic field produced by the direct current of the arc.

Measurement and calculation details

Exposure measured using personal dosimeters worn during one complete work-shift (7 am to 5 pm). The portable personal data collection system was placed in a shirt pocket or worn on a belt. Measures were taken every 20 s over the 10 h period. Environmental non-occupational exposure was not monitored.

Exposed system:

human
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

genotoxicity/mutation: DNA damage (micronuclei formation (cytokinesis block micronucleus assay) and sister chromatid exchange (via BrdU incorporation))
cell viability/cell division/proliferation: proliferative rate, cytokinesis-block proliferation index

Investigated system:

intact cell/cell culture
blood samples; chromosomes

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Micronuclei frequency in the exposed workers was significantly higher compared to the controls. In contrast, the data also showed a significant decrease in sister chromatid exchange frequency in exposed subjects compared to the controls. Proliferative rate and cytokinesis-block proliferation index were similar in the two groups.

Study character:

medical/biological study
observational study
pilot/exploratory/preliminary study

Study funded by

Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia, Italy
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali (Ministry of Labour and Social Policies), Italy

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