Health effects of work in production and distribution of electricity

In studies regarding occupation exposure to extremly low frequent (50 - 60 Hz) electric and magnetic fields have some disorders in biologic systems been reported. In the late 60's and the beginning of the 70's, functional organ disorders in nerv, circulation, gastrointestinal and reproduction systems were shown. Since the early 80's, reports about prevalence of cancer in these groups have dominated the interest of researches. Working Life Insitute (Arbetslivsinstitutet) was responsible for the study. The investigational period reached over the years 1981 to 1995. The study base consisted of 706 new employed men. Information about healt and environment, family and children, ergonomic pressure and subjective symptomatology was gathered from questionnaires. Data were collected at start of employment and then after three, six and nine years. After nine years there were 466 participants left in the cohort with data from both exposure and health endpoint from all four examinations. In addition were clinical tests and blood samples included. Serum has been saved and kept in frosen condition (-70 degrees). Purpose: The aim of the study was to follow and evaluate health risks, from reported morbidity and with possibility to analysis of exposure factors in working environment, in a group of young electricity workers in power industry. Further the aim is also to illustrate eventual associations between different working environment factors and poor health.