McNamee et al. conducted research to see how the low-frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) that influences people in their everyday life affects the circulation system (267). The scientists presupposed that individuals can experience possible negative effects, including physiological problems, cancer and even death from cardiovascular causes. They considered that such an occupational environment has an adverse influence on the health condition of the workers due to long periods of exposure.
In order to see if people are really at risk of having health issues because of ELF MF, the researchers paid attention to the changes in the sample’s heart rate, arterial pressure, and skin blood perfusion. As it turned out, there is no ELF MF effect on the microcirculatory system. Some changes may be noticed under certain frequency/intensity windows, but they are not critical and seem to be an exception rather than consistency. Still, the authors underline that the effects might be not observed due to the poor sensitivity of the tool used to measure alterations. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure also do not change because of ELF MF. Still, the researchers pointed out that if the heart rate was checked before the measurements, they could have noticed the increase in relaxation and decrease in physiological arousal. Skin temperature also remains the same regardless of ELF MF even though some scientists expected to observe the decrease of the temperature. In general, received results refute the authors’ hypothesis and support the previously published materials.
Thus, it can be concluded that domestic and occupational environments with ELF MF do not have adverse influences on people’s health conditions. They might have some positive effects such as relaxation, but this information requires further research.
Work Cited
McNamee, David, Michael Corbacio, Julie Weller, Samantha Brown and Robert Stodilka. “The response of the human circulatory system to an acute 200-[mu]T, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure.” International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 84.3 (2011): 267-77. Print.