Investigating the Effects of Occupational Noise and Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Oxidative Response in Power Plant Workers

Abstract

Occupational noise and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are common in power plants and represent important risk factors that may contribute to oxidative stress. This study examined how simultaneous exposure to these hazards affects oxidative stress biomarkers in workers under real-world conditions. Participants were assigned to one of four exposure groups: Control (C), Noise (N), ELF-EMF (E), or a combined Noise and ELF-EMF group (NE). Occupational noise and ELF-EMF exposures were measured according to ISO 9612 and IEEE Std C95.3.1, respectively. To assess oxidative stress, venous blood samples were collected from all participants, and plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed using validated biochemical assays. The NE group showed the highest MDA levels, indicating elevated lipid peroxidation compared with controls (p < 0.001). GSH concentrations were lower in NE relative to controls (p < 0.001). SOD activity was significantly reduced in both the N and NE groups compared with the control group (p < 0.005). TAC was lowest in the NE group, showing a significant decrease compared with both the control and Noise-only groups (p < 0.05). While these findings suggest that concurrent exposure to noise and ELF-EMF can influence oxidative stress biomarkers, they do not provide direct evidence to mandate specific workplace monitoring or interventions. Further studies are needed to clarify potential health risks and to guide evidence-based occupational safety measures.