Electronic equipment repairers, exposed to ELF-EMF, are at a risk of oxidative stress and sleep insufficiency, which could be explained by lower plasma melatonin levels and higher MDA levels.

PMID: 

Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2010 Sep ;14(3):66-70. PMID: 21461157

Abstract Title: 

Oxidative stress, melatonin level, and sleep insufficiency among electronic equipment repairers.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF), especially among electronic equipment repairers may induce oxidative stress and affect sleep quality.AIMS: This study was carried out to (a) investigate the effect of exposure to ELF-EMF on the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels among electronic equipment repairers as an indicator of oxidative stress; and melatonin hormone levels; and (b) to study the prevalence of sleep insufficiency among electronic equipment repairers exposed to ELF-EMF.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 electronic equipment repairers at high risk of exposure to ELF-EMF, and a matched control group at lower risk of exposure to ELF-EMF. All the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about medical and occupational histories; and sleep sufficiency. The plasma melatonin and MDA levels of the study subjects were assessed.RESULTS: The mean level of serum melatonin in the electronic equipment repairers was lower than that of the controls (P

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