Occupational exposure to steady magnetic fields and its effect on workers blood indices at an electrolysis unit

The health effects of environmental and occupational exposure to steady magnetic fields is a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematologic effects of exposure to steady magnetic fields at the electrolysis unit of a Copper complex. The population under study was the workers of the electrolysis unit of the copper refinery. The average steady magnetic field in the exposure group was 2.5 mT. The blood indices of workers exposure to steady magnetic fields after adjusting for confounders showed decreased white blood cells (except neutrophils) and increase in the number and volume of platelets. Red blood cells did not show any significant difference. Exposure to steady magnetic fields even in proposed safe limits may have hematologic effects on humans. There is a necessity for more research about the safe doses of exposure to magnetic fields.