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König AM, Pöschke A, Mahnken AH. Health risks for medical personnel due to magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging. ROFO-FORTSCHR RONTG 2024. [PMID: 39029511 DOI: 10.1055/a-2296-3860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The current state of medical and scientific knowledge on the effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields on workers in the field of clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is summarized here.A systematic literature search was conducted to analyze the health risks to medical personnel from magnetic fields in MRI. A total of 7273 sources were identified, with 7139 being excluded after screening of the title and abstract. After full-text screening, 34 sources remained and were included in this paper.There are a number of scientific publications on the occurrence of short-term sensory effects such as vertigo, metallic taste, phosphenes as well as on the occurrence of neurocognitive and neurobehavioral effects. For example, short-term exposure to clinical magnetic fields has been reported to result in a 4% reduction in speed and precision and a 16% reduction in visual contrast sensitivity at close range. Both eye-hand precision and coordination speed are affected. The long-term studies concern, among other things, the influence of magnetic fields on sleep quality, which could be linked to an increased risk of accidents. The data on the exposure of healthcare workers to magnetic fields during pregnancy is consistently outdated. However, it has been concluded that there are no particular deviations with regard to the duration of pregnancy, premature births, miscarriages, and birth weight. Epidemiological studies are lacking. With a focus on healthcare personnel, there is a considerable need for high-quality data, particularly on the consequences of long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields from clinical MRI and the effects on pregnancy. · Short-term sensory effects such as vertigo, metallic taste, phosphenes as well as neurocognitive and neurological behavioral effects may occur upon exposure to magnetic fields.. · Long-term effects mainly concern quality of sleep, which can be associated with an increased risk of accidents.. · When pregnant women were exposed to magnetic fields, no particular deviations were found with regard to the duration of pregnancy, premature births, miscarriages, and birth weight.. · König AM, Pöschke A, Mahnken AH. Health risks for medical personnel due to magnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2296-3860.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marc König
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Antje Pöschke
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H Mahnken
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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2
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Rajalekshmi R, Agrawal DK. Energizing Healing with Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 2024; 6:89-106. [PMID: 39036742 PMCID: PMC11258965 DOI: 10.26502/josm.511500147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence to suggest that exogenous electromagnetic fields (EMF) may play a significant role in various biological processes that are crucial to therapeutic interventions. EMFs have been identified as a non-invasive, safe, and effective therapy that appears to have no apparent side effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated that pulsed EMFs (PEMFs) have the potential to become a stand-alone or adjunctive treatment modality for managing musculoskeletal disorders. However, several questions remain unresolved. Before their widespread clinical application, further research from well-designed, high-quality studies is required to standardize treatment parameters and determine the optimal protocol for healthcare decision-making. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of musculoskeletal diseases on overall well-being, the limitations of conventional treatments, and the need to explore alternative therapeutic modalities such as electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy. EMF therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and modulate pain signals, making it a safe and convenient alternative to conventional treatments. The article also discusses the historical perspective of EMF therapy in medicine. The article highlights the potential of EMF therapy as a personalized and comprehensive care option for musculoskeletal diseases, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies. It emphasizes the imperative for further research in this field and presents a compelling case for the use of EMF therapy in managing musculoskeletal diseases. Overall, the available findings on the underlying cellular and molecular biology support the use of EMF therapy as a viable option for the management of musculoskeletal disorders and stresses the need for continued research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Resmi Rajalekshmi
- Department of Translational Research, College of the Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of the Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
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Wang Y, Zhao ZG, Chai Z, Fang JC, Chen M. Electromagnetic field and cardiovascular diseases: A state-of-the-art review of diagnostic, therapeutic, and predictive values. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23142. [PMID: 37650634 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300201rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite encouraging advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that the electromagnetic field (EMF) influences many biological processes, which has attracted much attention for its potential therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in multiple diseases, such as musculoskeletal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Nonionizing EMF has been studied as a therapeutic or diagnostic tool in CVDs. In this review, we summarize the current literature ranging from in vitro to clinical studies focusing on the therapeutic potential (external EMF) and diagnostic potential (internal EMF generated from the heart) of EMF in CVDs. First, we provided an overview of the therapeutic potential of EMF and associated mechanisms in the context of CVDs, including cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Furthermore, we investigated the diagnostic and predictive value of magnetocardiography in CVDs. Finally, we discussed the critical steps necessary to translate this promising approach into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen-Gang Zhao
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Chai
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Fang
- School of Instrumentation Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Chen
- Laboratory of Heart Valve Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Hansson Mild K, Mattsson MO, Jeschke P, Israel M, Ivanova M, Shalamanova T. Occupational Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields-Different from General Public Exposure and Laboratory Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6552. [PMID: 37623138 PMCID: PMC10454245 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The designs of in vivo, in vitro and in silico studies do not adequately reflect the characteristics of long-term occupational EMF exposure; the higher exposure levels permitted for employees are nevertheless extrapolated on this basis. Epidemiological studies consider occupational exposure only in a very general way, if at all. There is a lack of detailed descriptive data on long-term occupational exposure over the duration of the working life. Most studies reflect exposure characteristics of the general population, exposures which are long-term, but at a comparably low level. Occupational exposure is often intermittent with high peak power followed by periods with no exposure. Furthermore, the EU EMF-Directive 2013/35/EU states a demand for occupational health surveillance, the outcome of which would be of great help to epidemiologists studying the health effects of EMF exposure. This paper thus aims to outline and specify differences between public and occupational exposure and to increase the understanding of specific aspects of occupational exposure which are important for long-term health considerations. This could lead to a future protection concept against possible hazards based on adequate descriptions of long-term exposures and also include supplementary descriptive features such as a "reset time" of biological systems and accurate dose quantities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Hansson Mild
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics, Umeå University, 90187 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Mats-Olof Mattsson
- SciProof International AB, 83158 Östersund, Sweden
- Institute of Advanced Studies, Strömstad Academy, 45280 Strömstad, Sweden
| | - Peter Jeschke
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 44194 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Michel Israel
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.I.); (M.I.); (T.S.)
| | - Mihaela Ivanova
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.I.); (M.I.); (T.S.)
| | - Tsvetelina Shalamanova
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria; (M.I.); (M.I.); (T.S.)
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Thulu FGD, Tembo D, Nyirongo R, Mzaza PJC, Kamfosi A, Mawenda UC. Electromagnetic Frequency Pollution in Malawi: A Case of Electric Field and Magnetic Flux Density Pollution in Southern Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4413. [PMID: 36901419 PMCID: PMC10001587 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, electric field and magnetic flux density pollution levels were measured in southern Africa, a case of Blantyre City in Malawi, between 2020 and 2021. Sixty short-term measurements were performed using Trifield Electro Magnetic Frequency meter model TF2 in 30 different locations. Five high-population-dense sampling points were selected from school campuses, hospitals, industrial areas, markets, residential areas, and within the commercial and business center (CBC) of Blantyre. Electric field and magnetic flux density pollution monitoring was conducted between 10:00-12:00 h and 17:00-19:00 h for short-range analysis. Short-range results show that the maximum measured electric field pollution were 249.24 mV/m and 207.85 mV/m between 10:00-12:00 and 17:00-19:00 respectively, which are below the public limits of 4200.00 mV/m for public exposure. Similarly, maximum short-range results for magnetic flux density were 0.073 G and 0.057 G between 10:00-12:00 and 17:00-19:00 respectively which are below the public limits of 2 G for public exposure. Both measured electric and magnetic flux density were compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), World health organization (WHO), and Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE). It was determined that all measured values for both electric and magnetic flux density were smaller than set limits for non-ionizing radiation for both public and occupation health. More importantly, these background measurements establish a baseline for future changes to be compared against public safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Gibson Daud Thulu
- Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - David Tembo
- Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | - Rowland Nyirongo
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
| | | | - Allan Kamfosi
- Kamuzu Central Hospital, PAM Department, Lilongwe 207232, Malawi
| | - Upile Chitete Mawenda
- Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Science, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
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Muti ND, Salvio G, Ciarloni A, Perrone M, Tossetta G, Lazzarini R, Bracci M, Balercia G. Can extremely low frequency magnetic field affect human sperm parameters and male fertility? Tissue Cell 2023; 82:102045. [PMID: 36870312 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) may have different effects on spermatozoa depending on the waveform, magnetic flux density, frequency of ELF-MF, and duration of exposure. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ELF-MF (50 Hz; 1 mT) exposure in altering sperm parameters. In this study we found that exposure to ELF-MF at the frequency of 50 Hz (1 mT) for two hours induces statistically significant alterations in progressive motility, morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of human spermatozoa, suggesting a role of ELF-MF in altering reproductive function of spermatozoa. Our results represent an important discovery in the field since occupational exposure to the sine waveform 1 mT 50 Hz ELF-MF used in our study is possible in workplace. Moreover, these electromagnetic fields are product by many electronic devices and household appliances. Thus, alterations of progressive motility and morphology of spermatozoa would be important consequences of human exposures to ELF-MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Delli Muti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ciarloni
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Michele Perrone
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lazzarini
- Occupational Health, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Health, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.
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Elexpuru-Zabaleta M, Lazzarini R, Tartaglione MF, Piva F, Ciarapica V, Marinelli Busilacchi E, Poloni A, Valentino M, Santarelli L, Bracci M. A 50 Hz magnetic field influences the viability of breast cancer cells 96 h after exposure. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:1005-1017. [PMID: 36378418 PMCID: PMC9889515 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exposure of breast cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) results in various biological responses. Some studies have suggested a possible cancer-enhancing effect, while others showed a possible therapeutic role. This study investigated the effects of in vitro exposure to 50 Hz ELF-MF for up to 24 h on the viability and cellular response of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast cell line. METHODS AND RESULTS The breast cell lines were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at flux densities of 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT and were examined 96 h after the beginning of ELF-MF exposure. The duration of 50 Hz ELF-MF exposure influenced the cell viability and proliferation of both the tumor and nontumorigenic breast cell lines. In particular, short-term exposure (4-8 h, 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT) led to an increase in viability in breast cancer cells, while long and high exposure (24 h, 1.0 mT) led to a decrease in viability and proliferation in all cell lines. Cancer and normal breast cells exhibited different responses to ELF-MF. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were altered after ELF-MF exposure, suggesting that the mitochondria are a probable target of ELF-MF in breast cells. CONCLUSIONS The viability of breast cells in vitro is influenced by ELF-MF exposure at magnetic flux densities compatible with the limits for the general population and for workplace exposures. The effects are apparent after 96 h and are related to the ELF-MF exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elexpuru-Zabaleta
- Research Group on Foods, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Raffaella Lazzarini
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Fiorella Tartaglione
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Veronica Ciarapica
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Marinelli Busilacchi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonella Poloni
- Section of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Valentino
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - Lory Santarelli
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Massimo Bracci
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
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Colella M, Biscarini M, de Meis M, Patrizi R, Ciallella T, Ferrante D, De Gaetano A, Capuano M, Pellegrino G, Martini E, Cavagnaro M, Apollonio F, Liberti M. Numerical Evaluation of Human Body Near Field Exposure to a Vehicular Antenna for Military Applications. Front Public Health 2022; 9:794564. [PMID: 35186873 PMCID: PMC8851057 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.794564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of electromagnetic (EM) technologies for military applications is gaining increasing interest to satisfy different operational needs, such as improving battlefield communications or jamming counterpart's signals. This is achieved by the use of high-power EM waves in several frequency bands (e.g., HF, VHF, and UHF). When considering military vehicles, several antennas are present in close proximity to the crew personnel, which are thus potentially exposed to high EM fields. Methods A typical exposure scenario was reproduced numerically to evaluate the EM exposure of the human body in the presence of an HF vehicular antenna (2–30 MHz). The antenna was modeled as a monopole connected to a 3D polygonal structure representing the vehicle. Both the EM field levels in the absence and in the presence of the human body and also the specific absorption rate (SAR) values were calculated. The presence of the operator, partially standing outside the vehicle, was simulated with the virtual human body model Duke (Virtual Population, V.3). Several exposure scenarios were considered. The presence of a protective helmet was modeled as well. Results In the area usually occupied by the personnel, E-field intensity radiated by the antenna can reach values above the limits settled by international safety guidelines. Nevertheless, local SAR values induced inside the human body reached a maximum value of 14 mW/kg, leading to whole-body averaged and 10-g averaged SAR values well below the corresponding limits. Conclusion A complex and realistic near-field exposure scenario of the crew of a military vehicle was simulated. The obtained E-field values radiated in the free space by a HF vehicular antenna may reach values above the safety guidelines reference levels. Such values are not necessarily meaningful for the exposed subject. Indeed, SAR and E-field values induced inside the body remain well below safety limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micol Colella
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Biscarini
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Daniele Ferrante
- Centro Polifunzionale di Sperimentazione (CEPOLISPE), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Capuano
- Centro Polifunzionale di Sperimentazione (CEPOLISPE), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Martini
- Centro Polifunzionale di Sperimentazione (CEPOLISPE), Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Cavagnaro
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Apollonio
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Liberti
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Micaela Liberti
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Bravo G, Modenese A, Arcangeli G, Bertoldi C, Camisa V, Corona G, Giglioli S, Ligabue G, Moccaldi R, Mucci N, Muscatello M, Venturelli I, Vimercati L, Zaffina S, Zanotti G, Gobba F. Subjective Symptoms in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Personnel: A Multi-Center Study in Italy. Front Public Health 2021; 9:699675. [PMID: 34692618 PMCID: PMC8530375 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.699675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) personnel have significant exposure to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. In these workers an increased prevalence of different subjective symptoms has been observed. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of non-specific subjective symptoms and of "core symptoms" in a group of MRI personnel working in different centers in Italy, and of possible relationships with personal and occupational characteristics. Methods: The occurrence of 11 subjective symptoms was evaluated using a specific questionnaire with 240 subjects working in 6 different Italian hospitals and research centers, 177 MRI health care and research personnel and 63 unexposed subjects employed in the same departments. Exposure was subjectively investigated according to the type of MRI scanner (≤1.5 vs. ≥3 T) and to the number of MRI procedures attended and/or performed by the personnel, even if no information on how frequently the personnel entered the scanner room was collected. The possible associations among symptoms and estimated EMF exposure, the main characteristics of the population, and job stress perception were analyzed. Results: Eighty-six percent of the personnel reported at least one symptom; drowsiness, headache, and sleep disorders were the most frequent. The total number of symptoms did not differ between exposed persons and controls. Considering the total number of annual MRI procedures reported by the personnel, no significant associations were found nor with the total number of symptoms, nor with "core symptoms." Only subjects complaining of drowsiness also reported a significantly higher mean annual number of MRI procedures with ≤ 1.5 T scanners when compared with exposed subjects without drowsiness. In a multivariate model, subjects with a high level of perceived stress complained of more symptoms (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Our study did not show any association between the occurrence of reversible subjective symptoms, including the more specific "core symptoms," and the occupational exposure of MRI personnel to static and low-frequency time-varying magnetic fields. On the other hand, the role played by occupational stress appears to be not negligible. In further research in this field, measurements of EMF exposure should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bravo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Bertoldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Camisa
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Corona
- Health Surveillance Service, University Hospital Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Senio Giglioli
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Azienda Usl Toscana Sud-Est, Siena, Italy
| | - Guido Ligabue
- Health Surveillance Service, University Hospital Policlinico, Modena, Italy
- Chair of Radiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Moccaldi
- Prevention and Protection Service, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Irene Venturelli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini” Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Zaffina
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital—IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Zanotti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Anti-Oxidative and Immune Regulatory Responses of THP-1 and PBMC to Pulsed EMF Are Field-Strength Dependent. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189519. [PMID: 34574442 PMCID: PMC8471206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Innate immune cells react to electromagnetic fields (EMF) by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), crucial intracellular messengers. Discrepancies in applied parameters of EMF studies, e.g., flux densities, complicate direct comparison of downstream anti-oxidative responses and immune regulatory signaling. We therefore compared the impact of different EMF flux densities in human leukemic THP1 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy donors to additionally consider a potential disparate receptivity based on medical origin. ROS levels increased in THP1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after one hour of EMF exposure. Moreover, weak EMF mitigated the depletion of the reducing agent NAD(P)H in THP1. Neither of these effects occurred in PBMC. Landscaping transcriptional responses to varied EMF revealed elevation of the anti-oxidative enzymes PRDX6 (2-fold) and DHCR24 (6-fold) in THP1, implying involvement in lipid metabolism. Furthermore, our study confirmed anti-inflammatory effects of EMF by 6-fold increased expression of IL10. Strikingly, THP1 responded to weak EMF, while PBMC were primarily affected by strong EMF, yet with severe cellular stress and enhanced rates of apoptosis, indicated by HSP70 and caspase 3 (CASP3). Taken together, our results emphasize an altered susceptibility of immune cells of different origin and associate EMF-related effects with anti-inflammatory signaling and lipid metabolism.
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Assessment of Possible Health Risks Potential of Electromagnetic Fields from High Voltage Power Transmission Lines in Akure, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCE & PROCESS ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.33736/jaspe.3033.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to assess and predict the health risk potential of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) emitted from high voltage power transmission lines (HVPTLs) in Akure metropolis, Nigeria. The assessment was conducted using BENETECH GM3120 Electromagnetic Radiation Tester to measure both the electric field strength and magnetic flux density emitted from 33 kV, 132 kV, 132/330 kV and 330 kV power transmission lines within the metropolis. The data collected were analysed and compared with limiting tolerable values by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for both occupational and the general public. The comparative result shows that the maximum measured electric field strength and magnetic flux density in this study are lower than 40% of the limiting tolerable values in ICNIRP guidelines. Thus, the result of this study has shown clearly that the emitted ELF-EMFs from HVPTLs is not strong enough to cause any adverse effect health on human. In addition, analysis of the measured data also shows that the emitted ELF-EMFs from the HVPTLs vanish completely at about 60 m radius from the transmission lines, which implies that 60 m radius from transmission lines is an ideal experimental shortest possible distance residential building and people should be from HVPTLs in order to reduce the exposure level of people to EMFs radiations from HVPTLs.
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