Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area

ABSTRACT

Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18–40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Şanlıurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values.

Plain Language Summary

Electromagnetic field pollution causes various health problems in living systems. Research on this subject continues.

We investigated electromagnetic field pollution in Şanlıurfa city center and investigated the psychological effects on individuals exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric and magnetic field measurements were made at 0 points, 1 meter, 2 meters away and at the closest places to the transformer in 44 substations.

The experimental group was individuals living near a transformer, the control group was individuals living outside the city center and without a transformer/high transmission line near their home. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression test.

The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically.

As a result, no statistical change was observed regarding a relationship between electromagnetic pollution and anxiety-depression.

KEYWORDS:

• Electromagnetic fields
• EM field pollution
• limit values
• depression
• anxiety

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Ethics approval

This research was approved by the Harran University Clinical Sciences Ethics Committee with the decision dated 15.01.2020 and numbered 20.11.39.

Additional information

Funding

This scientific study was supported by the at Harran University Scientific Research Projects Unit (HÜBAP) with the Project Number 20127.