Medical/biological study (observational study)

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hematologic and immunologic parameters in welders med./bio.

By: Dasdag S, Sert C, Akdag Z, Batun S

Published in: Arch Med Res 2002; 33 (1): 29-32

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

Background/further details

16 male welders and 14 healthy males (control group) between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles participated.

Endpoint

effects on the immune system: hematologic and immunologic parameters

Exposure

- occupational

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz	magnetic flux density: 100 µT minimum (unspecified) magnetic flux density: 250 µT maximum (unspecified)

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field

Exposure setup

Exposure source	welding machines
Distance between exposed object and exposure source	1 m
Chamber	workplace

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	100 µT	minimum	measured	unspecified	-
magnetic flux density	250 µT	maximum	measured	unspecified	-

Exposed system:

human
whole body

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

effects on the immune system: hematologic and immunologic parameters (red blood cells; hemoglobin; hematocrit; platelets; total white blood cells; neutrophils; lymphocytes; eosinophils; CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8)

Investigated system:

isolated bio./chem. substance
blood samples

Investigated organ system:

immune system

Time of investigation:

after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8 were lower in the welders than in the control subjects, the hematocrit levels of the welders were higher than those of the control group. However, the differences observed were not clinically significant and in conclusion, the data indicate that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

Study character:

medical/biological study
observational study
full/main study

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