8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Brain & Nervous System

No effects of power line frequency extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on selected neurobehavior tests of workers inspecting transformers and distribution line stations versus controls.

No Effects Found

Li L, Xiong DF, Liu JW, Li ZX, Zeng GC, Li HL. · 2014

View Original Abstract
Share:

Power line workers showed no cognitive impairment despite electric field exposures 1,000 times stronger than typical household levels.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Chinese researchers tested whether power line workers exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields while inspecting transformers and power lines showed changes in brain function and reaction times. They compared 310 inspection workers to 300 office staff using computerized tests measuring mental arithmetic, visual memory, and reaction speed. Despite many workers being exposed to electric fields above China's occupational safety standards, the study found no differences in cognitive performance between the two groups.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

The study examined exposure from: 50 Hz

Study Details

We aimed to evaluate the interference of 50 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) occupational exposure on the neurobehavior tests of workers performing tour-inspection close to transformers and distribution power lines.

Occupational short-term "spot" measurements were carried out. 310 inspection workers and 300 logisti...

The neurobehavior score changes showed no statistical significance. Results of neurobehavior tests a...

Cite This Study
Li L, Xiong DF, Liu JW, Li ZX, Zeng GC, Li HL. (2014). No effects of power line frequency extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on selected neurobehavior tests of workers inspecting transformers and distribution line stations versus controls. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med.2014 Mar;37(1):37-44.
Show BibTeX
@article{l_2014_no_effects_of_power_2828,
  author = {Li L and Xiong DF and Liu JW and Li ZX and Zeng GC and Li HL. },
  title = {No effects of power line frequency extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on selected neurobehavior tests of workers inspecting transformers and distribution line stations versus controls.},
  year = {2014},
  doi = {10.1007/s13246-013-0237-6.pdf},
  url = {https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s13246-013-0237-6.pdf},
}
DOI: 10.1007/s13246-013-0237-6.pdf

Quick Questions About This Study

A 2014 Chinese study found no brain function problems in 310 power line workers exposed to electromagnetic fields while inspecting transformers. Workers showed no differences in mental arithmetic, visual memory, or reaction times compared to office staff, despite exposure levels exceeding safety standards.
Research on 310 electrical inspection workers found no memory impairment from daily electromagnetic field exposure. The study compared workers to office staff using computerized tests and detected no significant differences in visual memory or other cognitive functions despite occupational EMF exposure.
A study of power line workers exposed to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields found no negative brain effects. Despite many workers experiencing exposure above China's occupational safety limits, researchers detected no changes in cognitive performance, reaction times, or mental arithmetic abilities.
Research on 310 power line inspection workers found no cognitive risks from electromagnetic field exposure. The study used computerized neurobehavioral tests and found no statistical differences in brain function between exposed workers and unexposed office controls across different age groups.
A 2014 study found transformer inspection work does not affect brain function. Researchers tested 310 workers who regularly inspect transformers and power lines against 300 office workers, finding no differences in mental performance despite occupational electromagnetic field exposure above safety standards.