EFFECT OF CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE UNDER HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD POWER LINE ON THYROID FUNCTION
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are thyroid hormones essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by high voltage overhead power lines has been suggested to influence thyroid function by inducing oxidative stress and altering hormonal pathways. This study explores the impact of continuous EMF exposure on thyroid function, focusing on the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (FT4).
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure to EMF from high voltage overhead power lines on thyroid function tests in exposed individuals compared to healthy control subjects unexposed to these power lines.
This prospective case-control study was conducted using a stratified random sampling method. Participants were recruited from individuals living under high voltage power lines in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study included 50 exposed individuals and 30 unexposed controls, aged 18-60 years. Blood samples were collected to measure TSH and FT4 levels using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Descriptive statistics and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS software, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the levels of TSH and FT4 between the exposed and unexposed groups (p > 0.05). However, a significant increase in FT4 levels (p < 0.05) was observed in individuals with prolonged EMF exposure (6-10 years) compared to those with less than one year of exposure. Additionally, exposed individuals showed a significant reduction in monocyte levels (p < 0.05) and an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p < 0.05) compared to controls.
Continuous exposure to EMF from high voltage overhead power lines does not significantly alter TSH levels but may increase FT4 levels with prolonged exposure. The observed hematological changes suggest potential systemic effects of EMF exposure. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to fully understand the health implications of chronic EMF exposure on thyroid function and overall health.
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