[Effect of low intensity and very high frequency electromagnetic radiation on occupationally exposed personnel].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of low intensity and very high frequency (VHF) electromagnetic radiation (170 MHz) on nervous system function and serum enzymes and immune function in human subjects with occupational exposure to VHF.


METHODS
To measure the intensity of VHF and other environmental factors on the spot, to hold the questionnaire about chief complaints, to examine the rheoencephalography and the neurobehavior function, to analyze ALT, AST, ALP and LDH, and IgA, IgM and IgG in experimental group and control group.


RESULTS
The intensity of VHF (direction of antenna: 0 degrees, 10 m and 135 degrees, 20 m) was higher than that of national standard on-the-spot. The incidences of symptoms such as headache, insomnia and amnesia etc. was significantly higher in experimental group (P < 0.01). Rheoencephalography indicated that the raising time of both left [(0.155 3 +/- 0.057 9) s] and right [(0.154 1 +/- 0.059 2) s] in the experimental group after exposure were significantly longer than before exposure [(0.104 4 +/- 0.030 2) s, (0.103 2 +/- 0.030 4) s respectively] or in the control [(0.118 5 +/- 0.056 8) s, (0.117 7 +/- 0.057 5) s respectively, (P < 0.01)]. Neurobehavior function test showed that digital symbol, digital span and pursuit aiming test were decreased after exposure in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Serum enzyme analysis showed that AST, ALP and LDH were significantly increased after exposure in the experimental group (P < 0.01). No marked change was found in IgA level, while the levels of IgM and IgG after exposure in the experimental group especially the latter were significantly increased (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Low-intensity VHF radiation can decrease the nervous system function in occupationally exposed personnel and induce increase in some kinds of enzymes and immunoglobulins.
Yuan
Zheng-Quan
ZQ
Epidemic Prevention Brigade, General Logistics Department, PLA, Beijing 100039, China.
Li
Feng
F
Wang
Deng-Gao
DG
Wang
Yong
Y
Zhang
Ping
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006613:Higher Nervous Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood / Q000528:radiation effects; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M