Health status of personnel occupationally exposed to radiowaves.

Goldoni J, Durek M, Koren Z,

Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 44(3):223-228, 1993

The findings of medical examinations performed in two groups of persons occupationally exposed to microwaves and radiofrequency radiation are presented in comparison with control findings.

A group of 49 radar operators from the Zagreb Air Traffic Control was examined twice within a period of 18 months. The other group comprised 46 workers employed in radio relay stations. The control group were 46 workers from the Zagreb Airport.

A follow-up study showed significant changes in haematological and biochemical parameters, in electrical brain activity and in capillaroscopic and ophthalmological findings in the group of radar operators within the followed period. For that group a cross-sectional study of the differences in general health status also showed the highest rate of changes.

The results indicate that long-term occupational exposure to microwaves and radiofrequencies may damage sensitive organic systems.