Long-term (up to 20 years) effects of 50-Hz magnetic field exposure on immune system and hematological parameters in healthy men.

OBJECTIVES

The relationship between exposure to 50-Hz magnetic fields and human health is of increasing interest since associations have been found in brain cancer in adults and childhood leukemia. In this study we investigate the possible chronic (up to 20 years) effects of exposure to magnetic fields in humans.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We examined the nocturnal profiles of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, mean platelet volume, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, Ig (Immunoglobulin) A, IgM, IgG, CD (cluster of differentiation) 3, CD4, CD8, natural killer cells, B cells, total CD28, CD8+ CD28+, activated T cells, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-2 receptor, in 15 men exposed chronically and daily for a period of 1-20 years, in the workplace and at home, to a 50-Hz magnetic field. The weekly geometric mean of individual exposures ranged from 0.1 to 2.6 μT. The results are compared to those of 15 unexposed men age-matched, with the same synchronization and physical activity that served as controls (individual exposures ranged from 0.004 to 0.092 μT). Blood samples were taken hourly from 20:00 h to 08:00 h.

RESULTS

Exposure over a long period and on a daily basis to magnetic fields resulted in no changes in the levels or patterns of hematological and immune system variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that a long-term exposure to 50-Hz magnetic fields does not affect the hematological and immune system functions or their profile in healthy men, at least for the variables studied, and suggest that magnetic fields have no cumulative effects on these functions.