Exposure to electromagnetic fields at two call centers in Turkey, 2015

Abstract

Article Info Background: This study aims to evaluate the negative health impacts of exposure to electromagnetic field and to prepare a risk map of two selected call centers. Materials and Methods: Two call centers whose electromagnetic field values were measured by calibrated low high and point frequency measurement device. The measurements were performed by following the EN 50492 Standards. 178 employees from the first location and 153 employees from the second location responded to the questionnaire. The results of the measurements and questionnaires were evaluated by using version 23 of the IBM SPSS and version 17 of Modeler. Results: The measured values for the electromagnetic field were between 371 and 32 V/m. In the 95% confidence interval, the p value for the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and health complaints was found to be 0,089. It has been found that exposure to electromagnetic fields negatively affects health and causes complaints such as headaches, abdominal pains, eye problems, musculoskeletal problems, and indirectly affects the psychology of employees. Conclusion: The measured values and the responses to the questionnairre were found to be in line with other similar studies in the literature. Based on the results of this survey, a general risk map of the workplace in terms of health and safety was prepared. Some suggestions for dealing with the health problems associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields are provided. This study may be expanded by adding other ambient measurements such as noise, air quality, and be including more call centers.