Introduction
Despite numerous studies conducted to date, the potential effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are still uncertain. On the one hand, results of epidemiological studies are controversial because of their limitations (bias, too small populations, divergent results...), and on the other hand in vitro and in vivo studies often involve exposures limited in time or animal models providing results that cannot easily be extrapolated to humans (SCENIHR, 2015).
The purpose of this collaborative work is to have a slightly different approach in studying long-term exposures to ELF-EMF, to state whether biological effects are possible and plausible. It consists in studying the human being in her/his everyday life, in her/his residential and occupational environments, as well as conducting ex-vivo/in vitro studies. Herewith different approaches will be linked.
The research is supported by three teams specialized in cytogenetic studies (WIV-ISP, Brussels), in gene expression (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and in environmental health (Université Libre de Bruxelles). These teams are accompanied by ACE team (ULiège) for technical support and ELF-EMF in-situ measurements and modelling.
Collaborative work
A cytogenetic biomonitoring study will be performed on workers from ELIA who are regularly exposed to 50 Hz electric and magnetic fields (line inspectors, maintenance personnel, switchyard workers, ...) and on workers who are not particularly exposed to 50 Hz EM fields (e.g., administrative workers) and will be used as ‘non exposed’ controls. An increased frequency of cytogenetic changes means that 50 Hz fields or other environmental agents in the workplace are able to damage the hereditary material and that measures should be taken to lower the exposure(s). Similar studies were already published but contained too much shortcomings to be decisive (Maes & Verschaeve, 2016; Verschaeve, 2009; Vijayalaxmi & Obe, 2005).
A close collaboration with the company doctor(s) and other relevant persons will help in matching exposed and control workers.
Micronucleus and comet assays will be used as they cover different kinds of genetic effects, i.e., structural and numerical chromosome aberrations (micronucleus test) and DNA damage (comet assay). Additional other endpoints, as for example gene amplifications and apoptosis can also be investigated (cytome test).
Apart from our investigations on ‘electricity workers’ our project will also consist in studying the contribution of cumulative exposure to perceived and/or objective health. This part of the study will be carried out among the general population in the Brussels Region. Healthy participants will be recruited according to their distance to transformers and buried cables. Measurements of exposure to EMF and other environmental parameters such as noise, fine particles, volatile organic compounds, indoor and outdoor pollutants... will be carried out in order to draw up a multi-exposure map. People with environmental sensitivities will be included. Statistical analyses will be conducted on the entire group of participants and others excluding hypersensitive people to account for their particularities.
The collaboration between BBEMG members will enable a multidisciplinary approach to long-term exposure to the environmental exposures studied.
Funding
The BBEMG is funded by donations from national Belgian Transmission System Operator ELIA. The research program is controlled by a Scientific Advisory Committee. The group adheres to the Belgian Ethical code of scientific research.
References
Maes, A, & Verschaeve, L. (2016). Genetic damage in humans exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Arch Toxicol. 90(10):2337-48.
SCENIHR (2015). Opinion on Potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks, SCENIHR, European Commission, DG Health and Food Safety.
Verschaeve, L. (2009). Genetic damage in subjects exposed to radiofrequency radiation. Mutat Res. 681(2-3):259-70.
Vijayalaxmi, & Obe, G. (2005). Controversial cytogenetic observations in mammalian cells exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation. A review and future research. Bioelectromagnetics 26:412–430.
