[Neurotic disturbances, depression and anxiety disorders in the population living in the vicinity of overhead high-voltage transmission line 400 kV. Epidemiological pilot study].

Numerous reports suggest a relationship between the increased incidence of depressive and neurotic symptoms in humans and the exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) at the place of residence. Our study was conducted in one of the Cracow suburbs with low socio-economic status, adjacent to an easement containing two 400 kV high-voltage transmission lines (distance up to 50 m from the line). The population investigated comprised 70 persons (35 males and 35 females). This group was exposed to EMF from 1986. A control group (n = 37), non-exposed to EMF, was also tested. The EMF intensity was measured by special devices. The following assessments instruments were used: Anamnestic Data Questionnaire, Neurotic Symptoms Questionnaire "O" Spielberger Self-Rating Questionnaire, and Beck-Self-Rating Scale. The measurements of the electric field levels taken at the front walls of investigated buildings averaged much higher than normal values of safety exposure. Our investigation showed the increased psychopathological values in all clinical tests. The difference between the group exposed to EMF and the control population was statistically significant. The results of our study did not support a possible cause-and-effect relationship between EMF and psychopathology observed. Some other factors (noise) can be responsible for the data obtained. The hypothesis that EMF produced by external electric power lines may enhance the occurrence of neurotic symptoms and depression, requires further clinical and experimental investigations.