Impact of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on blood pressure, heart rate variation and disturbance to quality of sleep on industrial workers in Korea.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the potential health risks associated with exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), focusing on the impact on sleep quality. The hypothesis is that increasing ELF-MF exposure will correlate with elevated blood pressure (BP), altered heart rate (HR) dynamics and poorer sleep quality among occupational workers in Korea.

Methods: The study involved 85 participants. Assessment of ELF-MF exposure was carried out continuously for 24 h in the two groups. Measurements of BP parameters, HR and sleep quality were conducted accordingly.

Results: The study found significant ELF-MF exposure levels in both working and sleeping times for industrial factory workers (0.19 ± 0.38 and 0.17 ± 0.23 µT, p < 0.05). Long-term exposure among industrial workers may contribute to a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (125.61 ± 9.60 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference in deep sleep analysis was observed between the high-exposure and low-exposure groups (67.13 ± 31.15 min, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The hypothesis was confirmed, indicating possible effects of high ELF-MF exposure on SBP and deep sleep. However, further research on long-term exposure and its association with sleep quality disturbances is needed for validation.