Author/Authors :
Monazzam، Mohammad Reza نويسنده Associate Professor of Occupational Health, Department of Occupational health , , Sheikh Hosseini، Monireh نويسنده Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering , , Farhang Matin، Laleh نويسنده Department of Physics, Faculty of basic sciences, Islamic Azad University- Tehran north branch, Tehran, Iran , , Allah Aghaei، Habib نويسنده Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , , Khosroabadi، Hossein نويسنده National Petrochemical Company, Tehran, Iran , , Hesami، Ahmad نويسنده National Petrochemical Company, Tehran, Iran ,
Abstract :
Background: Advances in science and technology of electrical equipment, despite increasing human welfare in
everyday life, have increased the number of people exposed to Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMFs). Because of possible
adverse effects on the health of exposed individuals, the EMFs have being the center of attention. This study was
performed to determine possible correlation between Extremely Low Frequency Electro-Magnetic Fields (ELF EMFs)
and sleep quality and public health of those working in substation units of a petrochemical complex in southern Iran.
Materials and method: To begin with, magnetic flux density was measured at different parts of a Control Building
and two substations in accordance with IEEE std 644–1994. Subsequently, the questionnaires “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
Index” (PSQI) and “General Health Quality (GHQ)” were used to investigate relationship between ELF exposure level and
sleep quality and public health, respectively. Both questionnaires were placed at disposal of a total number of 40
workers at the complex. The filled out questionnaires were analyzed by T-test, Duncan and the Chi-square tests.
Results: The obtained results revealed that 28% of those in case group suffered from poor health status and 61% were
diagnosed with a sleep disorder.
However, all members in control group were in good health condition and only 4.5% of them had undesirable
sleep quality.
Conclusion: In spite of a significant difference between the case and control groups in terms of sleep quality and
general health, no significant relationship was found between the exposure level and sleep quality and general health.
It is worth noting that the measured EMF values were lower than the standard limits recommended by American
Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). However, given the uncertainties about the pathogenic effects caused by
exposure to ELF EMFs, further epidemiological studies and periodic testing of personnel working in high voltage
substations are of utmost importance.
