Exposure to electromagnetic fields and suicide among electric utility workers: a nested case control study 2000;57:258B63

Prolonged exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of suicide, suggests research in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

All electricians and other field technicians employed at any of the five electric power companies in the United States at any time between 1950 and 1986 were included in the research. Almost 6000 from a total of 139,000 were selected for detailed study. The average length of time worked in the industry was 16 years.

Death from suicide, of which there were 536 was twice as high among those whose work regularly exposed them to electromagnetic radiation. The highest risk of suicide was found among those with the highest levels of exposure, particularly in the year preceding death. The association was even stronger among those whose death occurred before the age of 50.

The authors suggest that electromagnetic fields may reduce the production of melatonin, a hormone that maintains daily circadian rhythms, including the sleep and wake cycle. Reduced levels of melatonin are associated with depression.

Contact:

Dr. David Savitz, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA. [email protected]