Study of human neurovegetative and hematologic effects of environmental low-frequency (50-Hz) electromagnetic fields produced by transformers.
A survey of neurovegetative and hematologic disorders was conducted in a population (n = 13) exposed occupationally to environmental electromagnetic fields; the population was matched with 13 control subjects. The exposed subjects worked at least 8 h/d for 1-5 y in premises located above transformers and high-tension cables, and the subjects were submitted to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (i.e., 50 Hz) of 0.2 microT-6.6 microT. The subjects were matched with respect to socioeconomic category, sex, and age with a control population of subjects that worked in premises outside of the immediate vicinity of transformers or high-tension cables. The exposed population had a significant increase in degree of certain neurovegetative disorders (i.e., physical fatigue, psychical asthenia, lipothymia, decreased libido, melancholy, depressive tendency, and irritability). In addition, the population experienced a significant fall in total lymphocytes and CD4, CD3, and CD2 lymphocytes, as well as a rise in NK cells. Leukopenia and neutropenia were also observed in two persons permanently exposed to doses of 1.2-6.6 microT. The disorders disappeared when exposure stopped, and they reappeared on reexposure.
Bonhomme-Faivre
L
L
Service de Pharmacie, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France.
Marion
S
S
Bezie
Y
Y
Auclair
H
H
Fredj
G
G
Hommeau
C
C
D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004560:Electricity; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000528:radiation effects; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000209:etiology; D007989:Libido / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000209:etiology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000528:radiation effects; D011210:Power Plants