Study type: Medical/biological study (observational study)

Evaluation in humans of ELF-EMF exposure on chromogranin A, a marker of neuroendocrine tumors and stress med./bio.

Published in: Chronobiol Int 2020; 37 (1): 60-67

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The effects of chronic exposure of workers of electric networks to 50 Hz magnetic fields on serum concentrations of chromogranin A should be investigated.

Background/further details

Chromogranin A (CgA), a major protein in adrenal chromaffin cells and adrenergic neurons, is a clinically relevant endocrine and neuroendocrine tumor marker.
A total of 15 workers (38.0 ± 0.9 years) operating and maintaining the extra-high voltage transmission network and living near substations and below high-voltage lines were in the exposure group. 15 unexposed and age-matched men were the control group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: 1-20 years

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration 1-20 years
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Setup workers were exposed when operating and maintaining the EHV electricity transmission network (225 kV and 400 kV); since they lived near the substations with high-voltage lines overhanging their houses, they were also exposed at
home
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.9 µT mean measured - -
magnetic flux density 2.48 µT maximum measured - -
magnetic flux density 0.24 µT minimum measured - -

Reference articles

  • Touitou Y et al. (2013): Long-term (up to 20 years) effects of 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on immune system and hematological parameters in healthy men

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No significant differences in serum chromogranin A content were found between the exposure group and the control group. However, a tendency towards lower chromogranin A levels was found in participants of the exposure group with the highest level of exposure (> 0.3 µT).
The authors conclude that chronic exposure of workers of electric networks to 50 Hz magnetic fields has no effects on serum concentrations of chromogranin A.

Study character:

Study funded by

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