Impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure on sleep quality and mental health in a Tunisian power plant: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are ubiquitous in our daily life. They may have an impact not only on physical health but also on mental health. Objectives To assess the impact of occupational exposure to the ELF-EMFs on sleep quality, depression, anxiety and stress among workers at the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (TEGC). Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included two groups: an exposed group (EG), consisting of power plant employees, and a non-exposed group (NEG), consisting of administrative workers. Exposure to ELF-EMFs was assessed via spot measurements using a magnetometer. Sleep quality, depression, anxiety and stress were assessed by the French versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results Seventy-seven participants in the EG and 88 participants in the NEG were included in the study. The median value of the ELF-EMFs was 5.86 μT at the power plant [min 0.1, max 40.34 μT]. According to the PSQI global score, 64.9% of the EG had poor sleep quality versus 29.5% of the NEG. Depression was registered in 24.7% of EG and in 3.4% of NEG. Anxiety was noted in 23.4% of the EG and in none of the NEG. Stress was found in 46.8% of the EG and none of the NEG. After multivariate analysis, ELF-EMF exposure was significantly associated with poor sleep quality and depression. Conclusion The present study revealed that ELF-EMFs can affect sleep and mental health. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanism involved.