EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON BLOOD PROTEINS

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• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88B01125R000300120012-8
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• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 10, 2012
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: February 1, 1974
• Content Type: REPORT

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EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON BLOOD PROTEINS
Prague PRACOVNI LEKARSTVI in Czech Vol 26, No 3, Sep 74 pp 292-295
Manuscript received 1 Feb 74
(Article by Jana Pazderova, Jana Pickova, Vera Bryndova, Clinic of Occupa-
tional Diseases, Faculty of General Medicine, Charles University, Prague,
dead Prof Dr K. Rejsek; Research Institute for Communication3, Director
F..Svoboda: "Blood Proteins in Personnel Chronically Exposed to Electro-
magnetic Radiation of the Order of 300 Kilohertz to 300 Megahertz"]
[T x;.] In our preceding studies (12, 13)we investigated the influence of
e.l _ccromagnetic radiation (further referred to as e. r.) on the health of
,paOple chronically exposed to it. We examined thoroughly ',.140 employees of
1.7', and radio-stations, compared the results of clinical and laboratory
findings to, findings made on people not exposed to radiation, and static-
ti.cally evaluated the results. We found no signs of damage due to e.r.,
or changes in the heal.th of the people we examined; we noticed only small,
statistically important differences in average values of some components
of the protein spectrum.
We could not be sure whether these differences were due to'e.r., or whetF~er
they were caused in part also by other factors. Employees of the radio
sr.ation.s lived in various parts of the country, f,,o:3r_ frequently in moun-
tainous regions in villages and small towns, and differed fror the control
group, formed by inhabitants of Prague, by their style of life, food habits,
d
W
an
so on.
e also decided to be careful with our evalu:tion_ of the
results, because blood samples were analyzed in the central biochemical
laboratory where the usual approach do=_s not guarantee the accuracy which
is needed for a sensitive investigation. .
In order to eliminate sources of inaccuracy and clarify a.possible influ-
ence of e.r. on blood proteins, we investigated in our second study 153
technicians of TV and radio transmitting stations of Bohemia, who were
exposed to radiation for more than 5 years. The results of this investi-
gation were compared with findings in a control group of 100 people whose
age, life style, origin, and loci 1. background were similar to that of the
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investigated group. The
article.
Material and Methods
results of this study are submitt ed in the present
of Investigation .
Data concerning age, nature, and period of exposure, and numbers of inves-
tigated people are given in Table 1. Because blood proteins and the
composition of individual fractions do not depend on sex,Iwe are not list-
ing separately results obtained on men from those obtained on women.
Table 1. Data Covering Age, Nature of Radiation, and Periods of Exposure
of Investigated People
(1) Drub I (2)
ezpotion vyAnlh'nych
TV (7)
(60-230 Mlii)
Kv (8)
(3-22 MHz)
sv (9)
(630 -1000 k Hs)
Kontrob (10)
Key:
(3) 1'runirny
Ok
(4) s,,,Ar.
urichylks
(6) 81,,A,.
orichylks
? .
1. Nature of radiation 6. Meaningful difference
2. Number of people investigated 7. Television station
3. Average age 8. Short-wave radio station
4. Meaningful difference 9. Medium-wave radio station
5. Average period.of-exposure 10. Control
In our past study (12, 13) we found no damage to health, and therefore we
conducted our clinical investigation only with the aim of finding diseases
which are known to change the composition of blood proteins (cholangitis,
chronic liver diseases, and so on). We conducted our examinations directly
at the facilities of the transmitting stations, in rooms adjacent to the
transmitting equipment. Blood was therefore taken within electromagnetic
fields. I
Intensity of the electromagnetic field was measured by means of the LB-038
meter designed for hygienic purposes; this is a high frequency transistor
voltmeter, which can take measurements in the frequency region of 10 kilo-
hertz to 300 megahertz in V/m (according to the conversionitable). The
inaccuracy of the measurements method was + 30 percent. Because the field
was not' homogenous, measurements were taken on various spots, usually so
that they would take place on the spot where the investigated personnel
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are located during their working activity; the height above the floor was
50, 80, 120, and 155 cm.
Apart from the intensity, determined for each worker, we also determined
by calculation the hours of exposure for one calendar year, and these
served to prepare an overall group average (calculation methods are given
in references 12, 13).
Microclimatic conditions and the noise were investigated by the methods
usually employed in hygienic. services.
Each blood sample was analyzed twice in our chemical laboratory; total
proteins were calculated on the basis of nitrogen balance, and determined
by Nessler's colorimetric method (7). Protein spectrum was determined by
the electrophoresis method on paper (14). Difference for a patient did not
exceed 1 percent.
For the statistical evaluation of the findings F-test and Duncan's test
were used; calculations were made at the 5 percent level of reliability.
Results of Investigation
Average values of intensity of the electromagnetic fields and the values
of irradiation in the television and radio stations are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Average Intensities of the Electromagnetic Field and Doses of
Irradiations Per Calendar Day at Individual Transmitting Stations
(1) II)taltU!it0
V/in
M 4 TV
6 KV
(4) 'rv
(5 K'
(6) 8"
ormmit
8 V/in.hod.
Maximum
37,04)
16(1,41
041,04)
97.19
490,20
138.88
Minimum
1t1Tnh6
Rinhr. (dolylke
to
4.91
6.10
15,50
17,84
7,01
9.51
0
35.74
23.12
38.90
191.48
189.21
12.16
82.72
39.152
Key:
1.
Intensity
5.
Short-wave
radio station
2.
Average
6.
Medium-wave
radio station
3.
Significant
difference
7.
Irradiation
4.
Television station
8.
V/m. hours
r
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In broadcasting rooms of television stations optimum temperature was
exceeded by 2?C, in radio stations the microclimatic conditions were within
the region of comfort. The noise level in television stations was within
the limits of N 65-81, in radio stations N 65-71. The noise consisted pre-
dominantly of tones of low frequency produced by the air-'conditioning
equipment. The work has the character of routine mental, activity with
average requirements of intelligence, awareness, and concentration. The
weekly working hours are 40.5 in shifts; the working space is attractively
decorated, well lighted and air-conditioned.
The average values of the overall blood proteins for the whole groups, and
individual fractions of the proteins are given in the summary Table 3.
The individual values and the overall group averages are within physio-
logically usual values.
Table 3. Values of Overall Blood Proteins and of the Protein Spectrum
(5)
(1?lkovA
7,211
7.281 7,4:1
1
7.47
1
hilkovino 1)
K 4
3).HY.._;:
2) TV
4)KV
(6)
Albumiuy
56, 14 (1A,II11
NV K
611,1M1
KV
07,ori
TV
(7)
A.57 A,r,N
KV K
&05
TV
(1,147
NV
(8)
Airo 2.0,1"dirty
N,(1K $,81
KV. K
N.9I1
_NV
9.21
_ TV
? (9)
Ik?(s?Rlubuliny
10.0510,75
K TV
19,94
L-TV-_1
11.29
KV
(10)
UNmo?Qintn,liny
17,35 I 17.71,
18,30
18,93
TV
1 KV
IC
8V
AIO
-
+'
1.23 1.31
NV K
1,32
KV
1.33
Ir TV
,
Values lying on a common sector of a line do,not
differ significantly from each other.
Values of total proteins are given in gram per-
centages, of individual protein fraction in rela-
tive percentages.
Key:
1.
Control
6.
Albumins
2.
Television stations
7.
Alpha 1-globulins
3.
Medium-wave stations
8.
Alpha 2-globulins
4.
Short-wave stations
9.
Beta-globulins
5.
Total protein
10.
Gametal-globulins
11
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Our present investigation was conducted so that the possible sources of
errors in the selection of the control group and inaccuracy in the lab-
oratory results were reduced to a minimum. The people in the control
group did not differ substantially in age or life style from the test
group with the only exception that they generally work.in places open
only during the day. We could, however, find no reference in literature
which would indicate that working in a three shift system would affect in
any way the content of blood proteins. The results confirm information
published previously, that is that the e.r. affects blood proteins to a
certain extent (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16). To our great
surprise we did not find an increase in the content of gamma-globulins
which was considered typical (1, 5, 6, 8, 10, 16, 17). On the contrary,
in workers in television transmitting stations we observed lower contents
of these compounds. Generally blood proteins are significantly higher in
employees of short-wave radio stations, while Sacchitelli (16) on the con-
trary observed lowering of these values in workers operating radar instal-
lations. Albumino-globulin quotient was lowered in workers employed in
medium-wave-lengths radio stations, and this was due to a lower content
of albumins, and an increase in alpha 1, and beta globulins. Singatullina
(17) also observed a slight. increase 'in the overall protein content, reduc-
tion of albumins, and increase in alpha 1, and also of,gamma globulins when
she irradiated rabbits with a wave length of 6 meters and 50 V/m intensity.
Differences between these data and those published in literature may be
explained by variations in frequency, field intensity,,and time of exposure.
The question remains as to why we have found differences between our previ-
ous investigation in 1966-1968 (12, 13), and our present work. It was
either due to the selection of an unsuitable control group, or the routine
differentiation between normal and pathological values, which was not
suitable for determination of value differences as small as those present
in the investigated changes.
The conditions of hygiene and working environment did not change at any
of the transmitting stations, with the exception of a single one; although
the values of fields- intensity found at present are more favorable than
the past ones, it is not due to improved conditions, but to a change in
the method of measurements (original measurements were'made by a wide-span
universal voltmeter B 388A with a method of inaccuracy of + 100 percent,
the present measurements were made with a transistor voltmeter LB-038
which operates with an accuracy of + 30 percent). It is possible that the
differences may be due to the fact that originally blood samples were taken
during hospitalization at a clinic, which took place at least 24 hours
after the end of the exposure, while during the present study the samples
were taken while the subjects were still within the electromagnetic field.
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These are only discussion problems, and we have no ready answers. We are
inclined to judge the facts with a great reserve as during the preliminary
evaluation of the results of a part of-the present group, using an identi-
cal statistical method, the data obtained for some groups, were again
different (control 50 people, TV group 30 people, short-wave 19, and
medium-wave 39 workers).
We tend to believe that a limited influenceSon the blood proteins is
exerted by irradiation of the frequencies and intensities investigated,
but that this influence is very small, and its statistical importance will
be affected by the number of the investigated workers, and by the selec-
tion of the control group.
The results are not typical for exposure to e.r.; similar reactions of the
organism are observed during investigations of other influences, such as
chemical and biological ones. It would be an error to attach too much
importance to these findings and to classify them as pathological.
The repeated clinical and laboratory study gives us only an cpportunity to
make the findings, and compare the results to those which we obtained
previously, and which may be found in literature, but we have no way in
which we could clarify and explain these results. Some physicists attempt
to explain the effect of e.r. on a molecular level, and their opinions are
expressed in symposia which were accessible to us (3, 4, 8, 9, 11).
Our clinical investi.gation'is not likely to give us any more information,
and it is necessary to study the problem experimentally at somewhat higher
field intensities, so that the differences would become more distinctive,
and so that we could analyze them further by more accurate methods of
investigation. ---
The authors would like to take this opportunity to thank Ludmila Dankova,
the laboratory technician, for her help.
We wonder whether the differences between the individual irradiation
sources (TV,.short-wave and medium-wave) are really responsible for the
differences because of the varying lengths of the e.r., or whether the
periods ofexposure also play a role; exposure is shortest in employees
of television transmitting stations, and longest in technicians employed
at medium-wave radio stations.
1. Bach, S. A., A. J. Luzzio, A. S. Brownell, "Effects of R-F Energy on
Human Gamma Globulin," J. MED. ELECTRONICS, 1961, pp 9-14.
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2. Bollinger, J. N., "Detection and Evaluation of Radiofrequency
Electromagnetic Radiation-Induced Biological Damage in Macaca
Mulatta," Final report: "Potential Hazards and Safety Considerations
in Human Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiant Energies" by Sol. WHO,
M. Michaelson, 1973.
3. Cleary,. S. F., "Considerations in the Evaluation of Biological Effects
of Exposure to Microwave Radiation," AMER. INDUSTRi HYC. ASSN., No 31,
1970, pp-52-59.
4. "Final Report on Biological Effects of R-F on Macromolecules,"
DA 18-108-CML-?7061, U.S..Army Chemical Center, Maryland, quoted by
S. F. Cleary in No 3.
5. Crzesik, J., F. Kumaszka, Z. Paradowski-, M. Puchalik, K. Zajusz,
"Wplyv pola elektromagnetycznego srednej czestotliwosti na organy
miaszowe i bialka krwi bialych myszy,." MED. PRACY, Vol 11, 1960, No 5,
pp?323-330.
6. Cuskova, A. K., P. P. Dvizkov, E. A. Drogicina,. "Profesionalnye
Bolezni Vyzvanye Vozdejstviem Lucistoj Energii." II the book by
A. A. Letavet and colleagues: "Profesionalnye Bolelzni," Moscow,
Medicina, 1964.
7. Horejsi, J., "Fundamentals of Clinical Biochemistryl," Prague, SZdN
1963.
8. Marha, K., "Biological Effects of High Frequency Electromagnetic
Waves," PRAC. LEK., No 15, 1963, pp 387-393.
9. Michaelson, S. M., "Biological Effects of-Microwave Exposure," in
"Biological Effects and Health Implications. of Microwave Radiation,"
Symposium proceedings, Richmond, Virginia, 17-19 September 1969.
'10. Nikogosjan, S. V., "Vlijanie 10 santimetrov voln na soderzanie belkov
i belkovych frakcii v syrovotke krovi zivotnych," GIG. TRUD. PROF.
ZMBOL., Vol 8, 1964, No 9,, pp 56-57.
11. Pazderova, J., "Influence of Electromagnetic Radiation of the Order
of Centimeters and Meters on Health of Man," PRACOVj LEK., No 20,
1968, pp 447-457.
.12. Pazderova, J.., V. Bryndova, J. John, E.-Lukas, M. Nemcova, J. Zubrik,
"Conditions of Health of Workers Chronically Exposed to Electro-
magnetic Radiation in the VKV*Frequency Range (30-300 megahertz),"
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 Declassified in Part -Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/05/10: CIA-RDP88BO1125R000300120012-8
13. Pazderova, J., R. Fischer, K. Formanek, J. John, E. Lukas, V. Styblova,
"Health Conditions in Workers Chronically Exposed to Electromagnetic
Radiation on the Order of Meters," PRACOV. LEK., No 21, 1969, pp 348-
14. Pechar, J., M. Havlova, "Electrophoresis of Proteins on Paper II,"
CS. GASTROENT. VYZ., No 9, 1955, pp 205-210.
15. Slepicka, J., A. Slivova, 0. Pochmon, E. Zapletalova,l"Influence of
Electromagnetic Radiation on the Order of Meters Wavelength on Workers
of a Short-Wave Transmitter," PRACOV. LEK., No 19, 1967, pp 5-11.
16. Sacchitelli, F., G. Sacchitelli, "Sulla protezione del personale
exposto alle microonde radar," FOLIO MED., Vol 43, 1960, No 12,
pp 1219-1229.
17. Singatullina, R. G., "Vlijanie tokov ultravysokoj castoty na belkovya
frakcii syrovotki krovi," BUL. EXP. BIOL. MED., No 52 1961, pp 69-72.
COPYRIGHT: Avicenum, Prague j
2573
CSO: 8312/0411
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