Electromagnetic field mapping and health status of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields in a university hospital

The aim of this study is to prepare an electromagnetic map of a university hospital and to determine the health status of workers working in electromagnetic fields.

 This study conducted in Gazi Hospital 2005. For electromagnetic mapping, measurements were done in whole hospital buildings. In the study, 121 of the 124 workers working in the environments with equipment that may cause electromagnetic field (EMF) were reached. 124 workers who work in the same building but not in the units where medical technological equipment were used were taken as controls and surveyed. In order to prepare the EMF map, measurements were done 90cm above the ground and the two ends plus the mid-point of the longest aisle on every floor were measured. EMF measurements were performed by F.W.BELL-5080 Gauss/Tesla-Meter equipment.

 The lowest measurements were detected in General Surgery, Forensic Medicine, whereas the highest measurements were detected in the floors where the Angiography, Pathology, Central Laboratory and Radiology were situated.

 Allergic diseases were significantly higher among the workers exposed to EMF than the control group. Similar prevalence’s were detected for lung, kidney, heart diseases as well as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, infertility and migraine.
The prevalence’s of headache, blurred vision, palpitation, itching, stinging, excessive tearing of eyes, hearing disturbances and fatigue were significantly higher among EMF exposed when compared to the control group, while sexual problems, skin rash, ear pain, clink, sense of heat, stomach complaints, breathlessness, dizziness, forgetfulness complaints were similar. There were no difference between the frequencies of menstrual irregularity, menopause, stil-birth and abortus did not differ among the women in EMF exposed and control groups.

 The results of the study will be reported to the hospital management, they will be informed about recommendations and possible preventive measures which can be taken to prevent exposure to EMF and related adverse effects.