Study type: Medical/biological study (observational study)

Genotoxic hazard evaluation in welders occupationally exposed to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) med./bio.

Published in: Int J Hyg Environ Health 2011; 215 (1): 68-75

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cytogenetic monitoring study was carried out in a group of welders to investigate the genotoxic risk of occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields.

Background/further details

Micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange in peripheral blood lymphocytes were analysed in 21 workers of two metal-working companies in Italy with considerable long-term exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields during electric arc welding. 21 non-exposed blood donors served as reference group.

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz
Exposure duration: during the working shift (7 am to 5 pm)

General information

Individual exposure assessment in 21 workers of two metal-working companies.

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 50 Hz
Type
Exposure duration during the working shift (7 am to 5 pm)
Exposure setup
Exposure source
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
magnetic flux density 0.03 µT minimum measured - -
magnetic flux density 345.06 µT maximum measured - -
magnetic flux density 7.81 µT mean calculated - ± 1,7 µT (whole population)

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Time of investigation:
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

Micronuclei frequency in the exposed workers was significantly higher compared to the controls. In contrast, the data also showed a significant decrease in sister chromatid exchange frequency in exposed subjects compared to the controls. Proliferative rate and cytokinesis-block proliferation index were similar in the two groups.

Study character:

Study funded by

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