Melatonin metabolite levels in workers exposed to 60-Hz magnetic fields: work in substations and with 3-phase conductors
Authors not listed · 2000
Men working more than two hours per day in substation and three-phase environments had a magnetic field-dependent reduction in nocturnal and post-work melatonin metabolite levels.
Plain English Summary
Researchers measured personal magnetic field exposure, ambient light, and excretion of the melatonin metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate over three consecutive workdays in electric utility workers. Men working more than two hours daily in substation and three-phase environments showed a magnetic field-dependent reduction in adjusted mean nocturnal and post-work metabolite levels, while those working two hours or less showed no effect. No changes were observed in men working in single-phase environments.
Why This Matters
The results suggest that circular or elliptical magnetic field polarization, or another factor linked to substations and 3-phase electricity, is associated with magnetic field induced melatonin suppression in humans. Melatonin suppression by 50/60-Hz magnetic fields represents a plausible biological mechanism for explaining increased health risks in workers.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{melatonin_metabolite_levels_in_workers_exposed_to_60_hz_magnetic_fields_work_in_substations_and_with_3_phase_conductors_ce1549,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Melatonin metabolite levels in workers exposed to 60-Hz magnetic fields: work in substations and with 3-phase conductors},
year = {2000},
doi = {10.1097/00043764-200002000-00006},
}