Cytogenetic Changes in Human Lymphocytes from Workers Occupationally Exposed to High-Voltage Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the possible cytogenetic changes in peripheral blood lymphocytes as a means of monitoring human populations subjected to environmental electromagnetic fields. The mean frequencies of chromosome aberrations (CA) and sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) were determined in 72-h whole blood cultures from 15 workers (mean age 31.4 ± 5.6 years) occupationally exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic field from a 132-230 kV electric supply substation.

Compared to a control group of eight men (mean age 31.6 ± 6.12 years), the percentage of aberrant cells was significantly increased (12.83 ± 1.28% for exposed and 7.00 ± 0.6% for nonexposed). No statistical difference was observed in the mean SCE values between the exposed (5.40 ± 0.15) and the nonexposed (5.12 ± 0.55) groups.

Furthermore, the cell proliferation index (CPI) and the mitotic index (MI) were analyzed. The two indices were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the nonexposed one: 1.44 versus 1.60 and 1.45 versus 1.79 for the two indices, respectively. The smoking habit did not influence any of the parameters investigated.