Effects of electromagnetic field on free-radical processes in steelworkers. Part II: Magnetic field influence on vitamin A, E and selenium concentrations in plasma

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of electromagnetic fields (electric field strength of 20 V/m, f=50 Hz and magnetic field strength of 2 A/m, f=50 Hz) on the concentrations of vitamin A, vitamin E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherol), and selenium, which represent non-enzymatic antioxidants, in the plasma of steelworkers exposed to such a field. The cohort was divided into 3 study groups: group 1, workers employed for less than 3 yr; group 2, employed for 310 yr; and group 3, employed for more than 10 years. Analysis of the results obtained revealed a statistically significant decrease in plasma vitamin A, alpha-, and gamma- tocopherol concentrations in the study groups as well as a marked increase in plasma selenium concentrations in groups 2 and 3. These changes suggest that the electromagnetic fields studied cause an increase in free-radical process activity in steelworkers.