Effect of Continuous Exposure under High Voltage Overhead Powerline on Some Parameters of Bone Metabolism

Abstract

Continuous exposures to electromagnetic field (EMF) from high-voltage overhead powerlines have been linked to alterations in biochemical and haematological indices that can impact human health negatively. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of continuous EMF exposure from high-voltage overhead powerlines on bone metabolism parameters. Eighty (80) participants comprised of fifty (50) exposed individuals (test group) residing within 500 meters of the power lines and control group from low-EMF areas were randomly recruited. Participants were aged between 18-65years and were age matched. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic variables, medical history, lifestyle factors and duration of residence near powerlines. Six milliliters (6 ml) of venous blood samples was collected from each participant with minimal stasis into EDTA (2 ml) and plain (4 ml) containers for the determination of Haematological parameters, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Calcium and Inorganic phosphate (IP). Haematological parameters were determined using three part Haematology Analyzer while serum ALP, Calcium and IP were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Of all the participants, 62.0% were male and 18.0% were female, with 31.2% being middle-aged and 68.8% being young people. Traders accounted for 46.3% of occupations, followed by drivers (12.5%), artisans (15.0%), and students (18.8%). Bini (28.8%), Hausa (31.3%), Ibo (15.0%), Calabar (5.0%), Itsekiri (3.8%), Yoruba (11.3%), and Urhobo (5.0%) were among the ethnic groups represented in the sample. The mean serum ALP level and monocyte count were significantly reduced (p=0.024; 0.016) with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) significantly increased (p=0.001) in the exposed group compared to control group while Calcium and phosphate levels did not differ significantly (p>0.05). Also, females had significantly lower mean serum IP levels than in males (p=0.048). Duration of exposure analysis indicated a significant reduction in mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p=0.01) in those exposed for 6-10 years compared to less than 1 year. This study highlights significant biochemical and hematological alterations associated with EMF exposure from high-tension wires, emphasizing the need for further research to understand long-term health impacts.