ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MAPPING AND HEALTH STATUS OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN A UN

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ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MAPPING AND HEALTH STATUS
OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN
A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa N. ILHAN
• MD, PhD in Public Health, PhD in Occupational
  Health
• Gazi Uni. Fac. of Medicine, Dept. of Public
  Health
• Prof. Dr. Meltem ÇÖL
• MD, Public Health Specialist
• Ankara Uni. Fac. of Medicine, Dept. of Public
  Health

12th World Congress of Public Health, Istanbul,
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 11.00-12.30
Charles-Edward Amory Winslow (The Hilton Istanbul
Hotel ) 25.06.
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Learning Objectives

• Today health sciences and the related technology
  advance quickly, besides the use of this
  technology increases sharply
• The technology used in the field of health
  effects both the service supplies and the users
  of these services
• However, it is natural that disadvantage bring
  some problems. One of these problems is the EMF
  generated by all electrical devices.
• It is essential to document the effects of EMF on
  health workers, and inform the related
  individuals and institutions about the subject

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Aim

• 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

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Methods

• This study conducted in Gazi University Hospital,
  Ankara, Turkey, (4000 person worked, 3500
  physical exam per day, 1013 patient bads)
• 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

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Methods

• In order to prepare the EMF map, measurements
  were done 90 cm 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

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Results-EMA Mapping

• 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

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Results-Health Status

• Allergic diseases were significantly higher among
  the workers exposed to EMF than the control group
• Similar prevalences were detected for lung,
  kidney, heart diseases as well as diabetes,
  hypertension, cancer, infertility and migraine

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Results-Health Status

• The prevalences 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.

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Results-Health Status

• 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

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Conclusion

• 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
• Now Gazi Hospital Occupational Medicine Unit
  is monitoring their health status and reported
  the hospital management

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Recommendations

• WHO and different organizations in the world
  conduct studies on the mechanism of effect,
  possible health effects and risk measurement of
  the EMR of which the effects are not fully
  documented yet.
• Undoubtedly, the individuals are faced with EMR
  and are effected in daily life. But, occupational
  exposure has legal, medical and social
  dimensions.

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Recommendations

• Health workers face many physical, chemical and
  psychosocial factors that may cause harm to
  health.
• Although most of the factors which may have
  harmful effects on health are well-known, new
  factors as EMR needs to be investigated for their
  health effects. Documentation of harmful health
  effects, if there is any, is essential both
  legally and medically.
• In the EC Directive 2004/40/EC, it is indicated
  that there is a need for risk evaluation, health
  monitoring and education for the workers who are
  exposed to EMR.

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Recommendations

• With this rationele, performance of pre-job and
  periodical examinations, examinations when they
  turn back to work are important methods for
  prevention and early diagnosis of health
  problems.
• The health units which are established in
  work-place and employment of work-place doctors
  and other health personnel will be very helpful
  in taking medical preventive measures, provision
  of health education, monitorization of workplace
  factors and detection of possible risks for
  workers.
• For this reason, it is recommended to make it
  compulsory to establish a work-place health unit
  and to employ a work-place doctor.

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Thank You !..
ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD MAPPING AND HEALTH STATUS
OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS IN
A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa N. ILHAN
• mnilhan_at_gazi.edu.tr
• mnilhan_at_hotmail.com

12th World Congress of Public Health, Istanbul,
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 11.00-12.30
Charles-Edward Amory Winslow (The Hilton Istanbul
Hotel ) 25.06.