The Relationship Between Electromagnetic Waves and Melatonin Hormone Levels in Golestan Province Power Substations

Abstract

Background and Aim: It is almost impossible to imagine life without electromagnetic waves. Such waves play a key role in the function of melatonin and create numerous diseases. Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 230 kV substations in Golestan Province, Iran in 2016. In total, 44 workers of electrical substations (the case group) and 23 workers of healthcare centers (the control group) with 24-hour shift works were enrolled in this study. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti University Medical Sciences( Code: IR.SBMU.THNS.REC.1395.9). Results: The obtained data suggested that 100% of the electric field intensity and the magnetic flux density measured at the substations were within the permissible range of occupational exposure. The mean level of melatonin in the case group was lower than that in the control group; however, no significant difference was observed in this regard (P=0.761). Additionally, there was no significant difference between melatonin level and age (P=0.381), work experience (P=0.213), job groups (P=0.515), and employee activity area (P=0.482). Conclusion: According to this study, no significant relationship was observed between electromagnetic waves and melatonin levels. Moreover, electromagnetic waves were within the permissible exposure. Thus, electromagnetic waves did not affect the level of melatonin hormone in male employees of 230 kV substations in Golestan Province. However, there was a decrease in the case group, compared to the controls. Therefore, definite comments require further investigation.