Time-dependent hematological changes in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields.
A World War II-era study, involving the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from radars and high-frequency radios on the blood of exposed workers, was analyzed for evidence of the effect of time in the manifestation of changes in the hematological system. Statistically significant correlations between increasing white blood cell count and average daily exposure, months of exposure, and total duration of exposure to EMFs were found. Changes in cell count were within the normal range, and thus their relation to epidemiological studies linking EMFs and leukemia, if any, is unclear. Results suggest that the time of exposure may be an additional factor (along with field strength, and perhaps frequency) in ascertaining the safety of EMF exposure.
Marino
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Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport 71130-3932.
D001769:Blood / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011825:Radar; D011846:Radio Waves; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins