Mental health status among workers exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields

Extremely low frequency magnetic field is a part of electromagnetic spectrum with frequency range from 30-300 Hz, which effects on the mental and physical health. In the current conditions, some of the labor affairs authorities believe that psychological problems are the main problem among the workers. The present study was designed to assess general health and depression in workers who are exposed to these fields.

This is a case-control study. In order to evaluate the exposure of these two groups, magnetic flux density with extremely low frequency was measured with TES-1394 device in workplace and staff commuter. Beck Depression Inventory and General Health Questionnaires were used to assess general health status and depression.

There are significant differences between the case and control groups in terms of public health (p<0.003) and depression (p=0.031). 60% of the workers who were exposed to these magnetic fields were suspected to the general health problems and 68% of these were reported different degrees of depression (mild 20%, moderate 30%, severe 10%).

General health and depression among the workers who were exposed to magnetic fields had a significant difference compared with the control group. Lower general health and higher rates of depression were seen in the case group. According to the previous studies, analysis and interpreting of the effects of these magnetic fields on the outbreak of depressive symptoms were difficult and this was because of the different results from different studies.