CORRELATION OF EYE LENS DOSES AND PERSONAL DOSE EQUIVALENT MEASURED ON THE ARM OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGISTS FOR A RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF DOSES TO OPERATORS' EYE LENS.

Coefficients converting the readings of the whole body dosemeter worn on the left arm to eye lens doses were determined by analysing the correlations between Hp(10) and Hp(3) values. Doses were measured on a phantom for specific C-arm projections typically used during CA/PCI procedures. In order to estimate the cumulative eye lens doses, conversion coefficients were then applied to the dose records of interventional cardiologists collected in the database of dosimetry service between the years 1995 and 2009. The Hp(10) to Hp(3) conversion coefficients are 0.29 (CV = 34%) and 0.17 (CV = 42%) for left and right eye lens, respectively. However, they can vary from one laboratory to another depending on working technique. From among 61 interventional cardiologists, none exceeded the threshold dose of 0.5 Gy for eye lens opacities. However, 44% of interventional cardiologists were likely to exceed the annual limit of 20 mSv for the most exposed eye at least once in the analysed time period.

[Conditionings of population exposure to electromagnetic fields associated with the rational use of 5G radiocommunication networks in Poland]. / Uwarunkowania ekspozycji ludnosci na pole elektromagnetyczne zwiazane z uzytkowaniem radiokomunikacyjnych sieci w technologii 5G w Polsce.

In 2017, preparations were made in Poland to provide all citizens with access to the Internet at a speed of at least 30 Mb/s, and at a speed of at least 100 Mb/s for 50% of households. This goal is to be realized, among others, by means of the fifth generation (5G) radio-communication networks. This work presents the assumptions of the 5G network structure and estimates of the level of population exposure toelectromagnetic fields related to their rational use. It was also analyzed whether, from the technical point of view, 5G networks could be implemented while respecting the currently acceptable level of electromagnetic field intensity in Poland (7 V/m), taking into account the current environmental exposure caused by antennas of cellular base stations. This is a contribution to the ongoing discussion on the need to change the requirements in Poland in order to limit the level of population exposure to electromagnetic fields. Based on the available documentation of the proposed technical standards, the theoretical analysis of environmental exposure to the electromagnetic field emitted by 5G systems shows that, with rational power management, obtaining the expected (compatible with 5G standards) quality of connections via base stations installed outside of buildings and using intelligent antenna systems with controlled beams, it will be possible to maintain the electric field strength and power density below the current limit values in places accessible to the public (<7 V/m, <0.1 W/m2). Med Pr. 2020;71(2):245-53.

[Protection of the population health from electromagnetic hazards - challenges resulting from the implementation of the 5G network planned in Poland]. / Ochrona zdrowia ludnosci przed zagrozeniami elektromagnetycznymi − wyzwania wynikajace z planowanego w Polsce wdrozenia systemu radiokomunikacji standardu 5G.

There is an ongoing discussion about electromagnetic hazards in the context of the new wireless communication technology - the fifth generation (5G) standard. Concerns about safety and health hazards resulting from the influence of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by the designed 5G antennas have been raised. In Poland, the level of the population's exposure to EMF is limited to 7 V/m for frequencies above 300 MHz. This limitation results from taking into account the protective measures related not only to direct thermal hazards, but also to diversified indirect and long-term threats. Many countries have not established legal requirements in this frequency range, or they have introduced regulations based on recommendations regarding protection against direct thermal risks only (Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC). For such protection, the permissible levels of electric field intensity are 20-60 V/m (depending on the frequency). This work has been created through an interdisciplinary collaboration of engineers, biologists and doctors, who have been for many years professionally dealing with the protection of the biosphere against the negative effects of EMF. It presents the state of knowledge on the biological and health effects of the EMF emitted by mobile phone devices (including millimeter waves which are planned to be used in the 5G network). A comparison of the EU recommendations and the provisions on public protection being in force in Poland was made against this background. The results of research conducted to date on the biological effects of the EMF radiofrequency emitted by mobile telecommunication devices, operating with the frequencies up to 6 GHz, do not allow drawing any firm conclusions; however, the research evidence is strong enough for the World Health Organization to classify EMF as an environmental factor potentially carcinogenic to humans. At the moment, there is a shortage of adequate scientific data to assess the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic millimeter waves, which are planned to be used in the designed 5G devices. Nevertheless, due to the fact that there are data indicating the existence of biophysical mechanisms of the EMF influence that may lead to adverse health effects, it seems necessary to use the precautionary principle and the ALARA principle when creating environmental requirements for the construction and exploitation of the infrastructure of the planned 5G system. Med Pr. 2020;71(1):105-13.

[Health effects of exposure to static magnetic field - a review of literature]. / Zdrowotne skutki ekspozycji na stale pole magnetyczne ­ przeglad pismiennictwa.

The authors discuss the effects of static magnetic field (SMF) exposure based on reviewed literature reports. The systematic review covered both research carried out directly with people as well as studies with animals. A review was carried out in terms of various potential effects: carcinogenic effects, reproductive and metabolic disorders or the influence of SMF on the nervous and circulatory system. The possible biophysical and biological effects of the SMF were also described. Med Pr. 2019;70(1):107-20.

Electromagnetic fields exposure assessment among workers at broadcast centers in Poland.

BACKGROUND: In the studies investigating the potential health effects of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), the key problem is the assessment of workers' exposure. Electromagnetic fields exposure assessment requires determining maximum EMF levels, for the acute effect, and the dose absorbed, for the cumulative effect. A study was undertaken to determine EMF exposure in workers at broadcasting centers (BCs) in Poland. It was the first part of a comprehensive project on health effects of occupational exposure to EMF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 4 selected BCs. Spot measurements of electric field strength (E), and the results of E measurements that were made in the past for occupational hygiene assessments, were used for determining workers' exposure to electric field. The parameters considered were the maximum E value (Emax), the weighted average E value (Eavg) and the E lifetime dose (Elifetime dose). RESULTS: In the group of workers examined, the E values did not exceed 16.7 V/m for Emax (the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for work shift in Poland is 20 V/m), 2.9 V/m for Eavg and 1 500 000 (V/m)2×h for Elifetime dose. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the lack of dosimetry data, a retrospective assessment of BC workers' exposure to very high frequency and ultra-high frequency EMF was conducted, which made it possible to estimate EMF lifetime dose for the workers. Since the EMF exposure levels at BCs did not exceed the admissible values, they can be considered safe to the workers' health, according to the approach used for developing OELs for EMF exposure. Med Pr 2018;69(5):477-482.

Occupational exposure to radon for underground tourist routes in Poland: Doses to lung and the risk of developing lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Radon concentrations for 31 Polish underground tourist routes were analyzed. The equivalent dose to the lung, the effective dose and the relative risk were calculated for employees of the analyzed routes on the grounds of information on radon concentrations, work time, etc. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The relative risk for lung cancers was calculated using the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VI Committee model. Equivalent doses to the lungs of workers were determined using the coefficients calculated by the Kendall and Smith. The conversion coefficient proposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the report No. 33 was used for estimating the effective doses. RESULTS: In 13 routes, the effective dose was found to be above 1 mSv/year, and in 3 routes, it exceeded 6 mSv/year. For 5 routes, the equivalent dose to lungs was higher than 100 mSv/year, and in 1 case it was as high as 490 mSv/year. In 22.6% of underground workplaces the risk of developing lung cancer among employees was about 2 times higher than that for the general population, and for 1 tourist route it was about 5 times higher. The geometric mean of the relative risk of lung cancer for all workers of underground tourist routes was 1.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-1.87). Routes were divided into: caves, mines, post-military underground constructions and urban underground constructions. CONCLUSIONS: The difference between levels of the relative risk of developing lung cancer for all types of underground tourist routes was not found to be significant. If we include the professional group of the employees of underground tourist routes into the group of occupational exposure, the number of persons who are included in the Category A due to occupational exposure may increase by about 3/4. The professional group of the employees of underground tourist routes should be monitored for their exposure to radon. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):687-694.

[Effects of radio- and microwaves emitted by wireless communication devices on the functions of the nervous system selected elements]. / Wplyw pól elektromagnetycznych zakresu radiowego i mikrofalowego, emitowanych przez urzadzenia lacznosci bezprzewodowej, na funkcjonowanie wybranych elementów ukladu nerwowego.

Nervous system is the most "electric" system in the human body. The research of the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of different frequencies on its functioning have been carried out for years. This paper presents the results of the scientific literature review on the EMF influence on the functioning of the human nervous system with a particular emphasis on the recent studies of the modern wireless communication and data transmission systems. In the majority of the analyzed areas the published research results do not show EMF effects on the nervous system, except for the influence of GSM telephony signal on resting EEG and EEG during patients' sleep and the influence of radiofrequency EMF on the cardiovascular regulation. In other analyzed areas (EMF impact on sleep, the evoked potentials and cognitive processes), there are no consistent results supporting any influence of electromagnetic fields. Neurophysiological studies of the effect of radio- and microwaves on the brain functions in humans are still considered inconclusive. This is among others due to, different exposure conditions, a large number of variables tested, deficiencies in repeatability of research and statistical uncertainties. However, methodological guidelines are already available giving a chance of unifying research that definitely needs to be continued in order to identify biophysical mechanisms of interaction between EMFs and the nervous system. One of the EMF research aspects, on which more and more attention is paid, are inter-individual differences. Med Pr 2016;67(3):411-421.

Estimate of radon exposure in geothermal spas in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Geothermal waters may contain soluble, radioactive radon gas. Spa facilities that use geothermal water may be a source of an increased radiation dose to people who stay there. It has been necessary to assess the exposure to radon among people: workers and visitors of spa centers that use geothermal waters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2013, workers of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine measured concentrations of radon over the geothermal water surfaces in 9 selected Polish spa centers which use geothermal water for recreational and medicinal purposes. The measurements were performed by active dosimetry using Lucas scintillation cells. RESULTS: According to our research, the doses received by the personnel in Polish geothermal spas are < 0.6 mSv/year. In 1 of the investigated spas, the estimated annual dose to the staff may exceed 3 mSv/year. CONCLUSIONS: In Polish geothermal spas, neither the workers nor the visitors are at risk of receiving doses that exceed the safe limits.

[Occurrence of radon in the Polish underground tourist routes]. / Wystepowanie radonu w polskich podziemnych trasach turystycznych.

BACKGROUND: There are about 200 underground tourist routes in Poland. There are caves, mines or underground structures. This paper presents the results of the research intended to identify the extent of the occurrence of radon concentrations in underground areas of tourist routes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted the measurement of periodic concentrations of radon (1-2 months) in the summer using type Tastrak trace detectors. We determined the average concentrations of radon in air in 66 underground tourist routes in Poland. RESULTS: The research results comprise 259 determinations of average radon concentrations in 66 routes. The arithmetic average of the results was 1610 Bqm-3, and the maximum measured concentration was over 20,000 Bqm-3. The minimum concentration was 100 Bqm-3 (threshold method) considering the arithmetic average of the measurements. It was found that in 67% of the routes, the average concentration of radon has exceeded 300 Bqm-3 and in 22 underground routes it exceeded 1000 Bqm-3. CONCLUSIONS: Radon which occurs in many Polish underground tourist routes may be an organizational, legal and health problem. It is necessary to develop a program of measures to reduce radon concentrations in underground routes, especially routes located in the former mines.

Assessment of individual dose equivalents Hp(0.07) of medical staff occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in 2012.

BACKGROUND: The paper presents the Nofer Institutes of Occupational Medicine in Lódz's results of the assessment of individual dose equivalents Hp(0.07) of medical staff exposed to X-rays in Poland in 2012. In addition, the collected data was analysed in terms of types of medical units performing medical procedures and the categorization of personnel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dosimetric service was provided for medical staff of interventional radiology departments occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in terms of individual dose equivalents Hp(0.07). In 2012, personal dosimetry Hp(0.07) determinations were performed by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lódz and covered 2044 employees from 174 health facilities. The determinations were performed using thermoluminescence dosimetry according to the procedure accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation (document number AB 327). The measurements were performed using ring-dosimeters in the periods of 1 or 2 months. RESULTS: Mean annual individual dose equivalent Hp(0.07) in 2012 was equal to 3.3 mSv (annual limit for Hp(0.07) is 500 mSv). The average value of annual individual dose equivalent Hp(0.07) decreased comparing to the previous year. In 2012, no single case of exceeding the annual limit for Hp(0.07) was reported. Data stored in the file indicates that more than 96% of all of the annual doses did not exceed the level of 10 mSv. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of data on occupational exposure to ionizing radiation confirms a stable level of exposure and satisfactory radiological protection in interventional radiology facilities monitored by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Lódz in Poland in 2012.

[Patients' exposure to electromagnetic fields and radon in radon spas]. / Ekspozycja kuracjuszy na pola elektromagnetyczne i radon w uzdrowiskach radonoleczniczych.

BACKGROUND: Many patients of physiotherapeutic facilities using therapeutic radon are also referred to other treatments involving the use of electromagnetic field (EMF). However, in the light of the theory of EMF influence on free radicals, it is still an open question whether, application of EMF shortly after the radon treatment may alter the biological effects of radon or EMF. The aim of the study was to determine how large is the group of patients exposed to radon and EMF in Poland, and how high is the exposure of these patients to analyzed factors. The results of the study are to be used in the future assessment of the combined effects of radon and EMF in radon spas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on the statistical data and interviews held in the major Polish radon spas, the analysis of treatment structure was performed and exposure to radon and EMF was assessed by measuring radon concentrations and characteristic values of exposure to EMF. RESULTS: More than 8000 people per year are subjected to combined exposure to radon and EMF. Significant differences were found between measured radon concentrations (they ranged from approximately 61 kBq/m3 for inhalations with inhaler to only 290 Bq/m3 for graduation towers, p = 0.049) and EMF intensities corresponded to those observed in hazardous and dangerous zones for occupational exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed significant differences between radon concentrations during various radon treatments. There is a need to develop clear and universal procedures for the application of radon or radon combined with EMF in radon spas. The effects of patients' exposure to radon, especially combined with EMF need to be further studied.

The pattern of the electromagnetic field emitted by mobile phones in motor vehicle driving simulators.

INTRODUCTION: The paper reports the results of the determinations of UMTS EMF distributions in the driver's cab of motor vehicle simulators. The results will serve as the basis for future research on the influence of EMF emitted by mobile phones on driver physiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two motor vehicle driving simulators were monitored, while an EMF source was placed at the driver's head or on the dashboard of the motor vehicle driving simulator. For every applied configuration, the maximal electric field strength was measured, as were the values at 16 points corresponding to chosen locations on a driver's or passenger's body. RESULTS: When the power was set for the maximum (49 mW), a value of 27 V/m was measured in the vicinity of the driver's head when the phone was close to the head. With the same power, when the phone was placed on the dashboard, the measured maximum was 15.2 V/m in the vicinity of the driver's foot. Similar results were obtained for the passenger. Significant perturbations in EMF distribution and an increase in electric field strength values in the mo-tor vehicle driving simulator were also observed in comparison to free space measurements, and the electric field strength was up to 3 times higher inside the simulator. CONCLUSIONS: This study can act as the basis of future studies concerning the influence of the EMF emitted by mobile phones on the physiology of the driver. Additionally, the authors postulate that it is advisable to keep mobile phones at a distance from the head, i.e. use, whenever possible, hands-free kits to reduce EMF exposure, both for drivers and passengers.

[Estimation of effective doses derived from radon in selected SPA centers that use geothermal waters based on the information of radon concentrations]. / Szacowanie dawek efektywnych pochodzicych od radonu w wybranych placówkach geotermalnych SPA na podstawie informacji o stezeniach radonu.

BACKGROUND: Geothermal waters contain, among other components, soluble radon gas. Alpha radioactive radon is a health hazard to humans, especially when it gets into the respiratory tract. SPA facilities that use geothermal water can be a source of an increased radiation dose to people who stay there. Based on the available literature concerning radon concentrations, we assessed exposure to radon among people - workers and visitors of Spa centers that use geothermal waters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radon concentrations were analyzed in 17 geothermal centers: in Greece (3 centers), Iran (5), China (4) and India (5). Doses recived by people in the SPA were estimated using the formula that 1 hour exposure to 1 Bq/m3 of radon concentration and equilibrium factor F = 0.4 corresponds to an effective dose of 3.2 nSv. RESULTS: We have found that radon levels in SPAs are from a few to several times higher than those in confined spaces, where geothermal waters are not used (e.g., residential buildings). In 82% of the analyzed SPAs, workers may receive doses above 1 mSv/year. According to the relevant Polish regulations, people receiving doses higher than 1 mSv/year are included in category B of radiation exposure and require regular dosimetric monitoring. Doses received by SPA visitors are much lower because the time of their exposure to radon released from geothermal water is rather short. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of radon concentration in SPA facilities shows that the radiological protection of people working with geothermal waters plays an important role. It seems reasonable to include SPA workers staying close to geotermal waters into a dosimetric monitoring program.

Combined effect of X-ray radiation and static magnetic fields on reactive oxygen species in rat lymphocytes in vitro.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of static magnetic fields (SMF) on reactive oxygen species induced by X-ray radiation. The experiments were performed on lymphocytes from male albino Wistar rats. After exposure to 3 Gy X-ray radiation (with a dose rate of 560 mGy/min) the measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species in lymphocytes, using a fluorescent probe, was done before exposure to the SMF, and after 15 min, 1 and 2 h of exposure to the SMF or a corresponding incubation time. For SMF exposure, 0 mT (50 µT magnetic field induction opposite to the geomagnetic field) and 5 mT fields were chosen. The trend of SMF effects for 0 mT was always opposite that of 5 mT. The first one decreased the rate of fluorescence change, while the latter one increased it.

[Measurement of personal dose equivalent of X and gamma radiation by ring dosimeter: results of intercomparison measurements]. / Pomiar indywidualnego równowaznika dawki promieniowania X i gamma za pomoca dozymetru pierscionkowego--wyniki porównan miedzylaboratoryjnych.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to present the results of the interlaboratory comparisons for ring dosimeters and to confirm that the applied method is suitable for measuring the personal dose equivalent H(p)(0.07). In addition, calibration procedures used in dosimetric measurements in persons occupationally exposed to ionizing photon radiation X and gamma were presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ring dosimeters made of flexible plastics with the diameter of approximately 20 mm, equipped with two thermoluminescence (TL) detectors type MTS-N, were the subject of interlaboratory comparisons. Irradiated detectors were red out using a new manual TLD's reader (FIMEL, France). All TLD exposures were done for validation of TLD readers and were performed using the reference X-ray and gamma beams with the ISO rod phantom. The methodology of performed exposures corresponded with the methods applied by the European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS), the European organizer ofinterlaboratory comparisons. RESULTS: The energy, dose and angular characteristics of the ring dosimeter allowed to elaborate the formula for estimating and verifying the personal dose equivalent H(p)(0.07). The test was performed to check and confirm the correctness of the estimated characteristics. The test results were satisfactory, and thus the readiness to implement TLD reader in the used method and to participate in interlaboratory comparisons was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: According to the requirements of the Polish Centre for Accreditation, the laboratory was participating in the interlaboratory comparison organized by EURADOS in terms of the personal dose equivalent H(p)(0.07). The result of the comparison was satisfactory, therefore the correctness of the testing procedure was confirmed.

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in radio and TV broadcasting stations workers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the mechanism of cardiovascular impairments in workers exposed to UHF-VHF radio frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart rate variability (HRV) was analysed using 512 normal heart beats registered at rest. The analysis concerned time-domain (STD R-R) and frequency-domain (VLF, LF, HF) parameters of HRV. Fifty nine workers (group I) with low-level and 12 workers (group II) with high-level exposure were examined. The mean age of the subjects was 47 ± 9 years and 41 ± 14 years, and mean exposure duration 19.1 ± 8.8 years and 13 ± 4 years, in groups I and II, respectively. The groups were divided according to: E(max), E(dose), E(mean) for frequencies UHF, VHF and UHF+VHF: The control group consisted of 42 non-exposed subjects, aged 49 ± 8 years. Statistical analysis comprised one-way analysis of variance, covariance analysis and logistic regression models. RESULTS: In the exposed groups, the heart rate was higher than in the control one. Standard deviation of R-R intervals (STD R-R) was found to be significantly (p = 0.0285) lower in group I (42.5 ± 24.7 ms) compared to the control group (62.9 ± 53.5 ms). The risk of lowered STD R-R was significantly increased (OR = 2.37, p = 0.023) in group II. Both exposed groups presented significantly higher VLF and LF values than the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.0025, respectively). The EMF-exposed groups were characterised by the dominance of the sympathetic system (LF/HF 1.3 ± 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that exposure to radiofrequency EMF may affect the neurovegetative regulation.

[Quality control testing of x-ray equipment used in medical diagnostic: results of interlaboratory comparison]. / Ocena pomiaru parametrów fizycznych w kontroli jakosci aparatury rentgenodiagnostycznej - wyniki miedzylaboratoryjnych badan porównawczych.

BACKGROUND: Effective diagnostic radiology system should be based on an efficient and suitable servicing of medical X-ray equipment. According to Polish requirements, all radiology departments are obligated to carry out quality control (QC) test of their X-ray set. In practice, testing is mostly performed by accredited external QC services, which have to participate in periodic interlaboratory comparison (ILC) to maintain or obtain the accreditation. Large-scale ILC for QC services were performed at the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine for three ranges of diagnostic radiology: dental, conventional and mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During ILC, the metrological coherence of main physical parameters, which determine good quality of diagnostic image, were estimated and compared with appropriate reference values ensured by ILC organizer. The ILC participants comprised 29 QC services. The measurements were performed by ILC participants under laboratory conditions, using their own calibrated meters, according to routine procedures. All measurement results were assessed by calculating the E(n) value, normalized with respect to the uncertainties. RESULTS: Of the 328 evaluated results only 11 (3.4%) were classified as unsatisfactory. As much as 82% of them applied to mammography. Thus, the final evaluation revealed negative results in 2 of the 29 participants, which means that their satisfactory scores for the studied ranges were below 75%. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of predominant amount of satisfactory results, ILC indicated some regions of divergence e.g. large differences in evaluation of uncertainties and other inconsistencies.

Changes in tympanic temperature during the exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone.

OBJECTIVE: Mobile phones generate microwave radiation which is absorbed by exposed tissue and converted into heat. It may cause detrimental health effects. The aim of the experiment was to check if exposure to EMF emitted by mobile phone influenced the tympanic temperature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human volunteer study was performed on ten healthy young men, aged 22.1±4.7 years, examined three times: 1. on a day with 2×60 min of no exposure (sham day), 2. on a day with continuous, 60 min exposure and 60 min of no exposure, 3. on a day with intermittent exposure (4×15 min "on" and 4×15 min "off"). Exposure was generated by mobile phone (frequency 900 MHz, SAR 1.23 W/kg). The study was double-blind, performed under controlled conditions (at 24°C and 70% humidity). The tympanic temperature (T(ty)) was monitored every 10 sec by a thermistor probe placed close to the aural canal membrane in the ear opposite the one in contact with mobile phone (contralateral position). Multivariate repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to calculate the results. RESULTS: The mean T(ty) in the whole group during continuous exposure was significantly higher than during sham exposure (p = 0.0001). During intermittent exposure the temperature was lower than during sham day (difference was up to 0.11°C). Within an hour after continuous exposure, T(ty) was higher by 0.03°C and after intermittent exposure T(ty) was lower by 0.18°C in comparison with sham day. Two hours after exposure T(ty) was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) than after sham exposure (0.06°C and 0.26°C respectively). The trends in T(ty) during experiment differed significantly in relation to exposure conditions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this analysis indicate that the physiological response to EMF exposure from mobile phone was mostly related to type of exposure (continuous or intermittent).

Subjective complaints of people living near mobile phone base stations in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to assess the health conditions and subjective symptoms of the inhabitants living in the base stations vicinity and to analyse the relationship between the complaints and level of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was performed in housing estates located in five regions of Lódz. The electric field measurements were performed in the buildings located closest to the azimuth of the antennas. Respondents were selected by trained interviewers using an uniform procedure. The number of the households to be examined was set at a minimum of 420. The questionnaire contained: demographic data, occupational and environmental exposure to EMF, health condition, subjective complaints. Results were adjusted for confounders (age, gender, EMF at the workplace and EMF emitted by household equipment) using multiple regression model. RESULTS: 181 men and 319 women from 500 households were examined. Electric field above 0.8 V/m was recorded in 12% of flats. There was no significant correlation between electric field strength and the distance of examined flats from the base stations. To make possible comparison with relevant literature, we analysed also the frequency of the reported symptoms vs. the distance. Headache was declared by 57% people, most frequently (36.4%) living 100-150 m away from the base station compared to people living at longer distances (p = 0.013). 24.4% subjects, mostly living at a distance above 150 m, declared impaired memory. Difference was statistically significant in comparison with people living at other distances (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The explanation why we did not find any correlation between the electric field strength and frequency of subjective symptoms but found a correlation between subjective symptoms and distance from base station needs further studies. Maybe new metrics of exposure assessment should be adopted for this purpose.