The influence of electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency on the male reproductive system

Abstract

Introduction. The safety of exposure to the population of a growing number of sources of electromagnetic fields everywhere, both in work and at home, has become a public health problem. This article presents the results of research on the study of the potentially adverse effects of electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency on the reproductive system of personnel of energy supply institutions. The aim of the study is to explore the possible adverse effects of electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency on the male reproductive system. Materials and methods. The object of the study was 144 employees engaged in the repair and operation of power grid facilities and 40 employees who are not exposed to electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency. To assess laboratory parameters, blood samples were taken, followed by determination of the levels of total testosterone, free testosterone and globulin binding sex hormones. Results. The subjects of the main group revealed a high incidence of prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis. The employees of the main group had lower concentrations of sex hormones (p<0.05) in relation to similar indicators of the control group. A negative correlation was revealed between the levels of total, free testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin with experience (r=-0.36 p=0.009; r=-0.264 p=0.06; r=-0.349 p=0.01, respectively). Limitations of the study. The study is limited by the number of highly trained workers exposed to electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate the negative impact of electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency on the reproductive system of employees engaged in the repair and operation of power grid facilities. With an increase in the length of service of employees, a decrease in the concentration of globulin binding sex hormones, total and free testosterone was found. Among workers exposed to electromagnetic fields of industrial frequency, a high prevalence of prostate pathologies was revealed.