Forming the electromagnetic fields map of Cukurova University Balcali Hospital and evaluation of possible health effects in health care workers

Purpose: Although the facilitating effect of increasing use of technology in our daily life and occupational life, health problems related to technology is not very clear. As a result of the scientific and technological revolution and providing easiness to us, electrical equipments have a permanent place in our lives and they have harmful effects additional to the benefits. This research aims to to measure the electromagnetic fields load of Balcalı Hospital and determine the situation of the diseases and symptoms of hospital employees because of electronic medical device usage. Materials and Method: It is a descriptive study aims to determine the health status of Balcalı Hospital employees due to electromagnetic fields exposure. The number of employees participated in the research is 259. Socio-demographic features, diagnosed diseases and present symptoms of health workers' are interrogated and collected as data. SPSS 20 for Windows is used for statistical analyses and Chi-Square test, t-test, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test are used to analyze data. p value<0,05 is evaluated as significant. Results: There is no difference in health status between the groups when they are divided to EMF and control groups. But Total Risk Score which is calculated including total working time is found to be related with hypertension, lung diseases and allergic diseases; fatigue, irritability, fatigue, forgetfulness, ear disorder, hearing impairment, stomach discomfort, palpitations and shortness of breath symptoms. Conclusion: Results of the electromagnetic fields measurement values and health effects are similar to the literature in general.The results of the research were participated with hospital management, required protective and preventive measures were advised to be provided. It is pointed that detailed assessment of working conditions of those who have diseases and symptoms and new arrangements, if neccessary, would be appropriate.