Investigating the Effects of Occupational Noise and Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Oxidative Response in Power Plant Workers

Bioelectromagnetics · 2025 · Harm · Low evidence

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HarmLow evidencePaper 2517

Workers concurrently exposed to occupational noise and ELF-EMF (NE group) had higher MDA and lower GSH and TAC compared with controls, and SOD activity was reduced in noise-only and combined exposure groups versus controls. The authors conclude concurrent noi…

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2025

Study typeother

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Occupational Health, Environmental Health Tags: ELF-EMF, power plant, occupational exposure, oxidative stress, noise, biomarkers, health risk DOI: 10.1002/bem.70027 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview Occupational noise and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are common in power plants and represent important risk factors that may contribute to oxidative stress. This study examined how simultaneous exposure to these hazards affects oxidative stress biomarkers in workers under real-world conditions. Methods - Participants were assigned to one of four exposure groups: Control (C), Noise (N), ELF-EMF (E), or a combined Noise and ELF-EMF group (NE). - Occupational noise and ELF-EMF exposures were measured according to ISO 9612 and IEEE Std C95.3.1, respectively. - Venous blood samples were collected and plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed using validated biochemical assays. Findings - The NE group showed the highest MDA levels, indicating elevated lipid peroxidation compared with controls (p < 0.001). - GSH concentrations were lower in NE relative to controls (p < 0.001). - SOD activity was significantly reduced in both the N and NE groups versus controls (p < 0.005). - TAC was lowest in the NE group, with a significant decrease compared to both the control and noise-only groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion - This study provides evidence that concurrent exposure to occupational noise and ELF-EMF is linked to increased oxidative stress biomarkers in power plant workers. - There is a demonstrated connection between ELF-EMF exposure and oxidative stress, reinforcing concerns about potential health risks. - Further research is needed to clarify health risks and guide evidence-based occupational safety measures. Summary: - This study investigated oxidative stress biomarkers in power plant workers exposed to occupational noise, ELF-EMF, and their combination. - Concurrent exposure to noise and ELF-EMF was linked to a significant increase in malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation. - Other oxidative stress markers showed less consistent changes across exposure groups. - Findings highlight the need for more research into the health impacts of combined occupational exposures.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother

Effect directionharm

PopulationPower plant workers

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureELF

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Malondialdehyde (MDA)
Glutathione (GSH)
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity
Total antioxidant capacity (TAC)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "occupational",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Power plant workers",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Malondialdehyde (MDA)",
    "Glutathione (GSH)",
    "Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity",
    "Total antioxidant capacity (TAC)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Workers concurrently exposed to occupational noise and ELF-EMF (NE group) had higher MDA and lower GSH and TAC compared with controls, and SOD activity was reduced in noise-only and combined exposure groups versus controls. The authors conclude concurrent noise and ELF-EMF exposure is linked to increased oxidative stress biomarkers in power plant workers.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF-EMF",
    "occupational exposure",
    "power plant",
    "noise",
    "oxidative stress",
    "biomarkers",
    "MDA",
    "GSH",
    "SOD",
    "TAC"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "Study evaluates ELF-EMF exposure in power plant workers under real-world occupational conditions."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.70027
PubMed: 41104887

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