Background and Aim: Military personnel who work with radar missiles are exposed to electromagnetic waves. The negative effects of these waves on human health have been reported in some studies. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between exposures to electromagnetic waves with some clinical disorders in radar device users.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 cities near to Persian Gulf, in 2018. All personnel who were exposed to electromagnetic waves due to occupational reasons (radar device users) were included in a census. Demographic data and a self-declaration of clinical disorders (such as headache) were recorded in the checklist. Work experience (years) in the radar section was recorded. The clinical examination was performed by a general practitioner. CBC, diff blood tests and peripheral blood smears were tested in the laboratory, and the results were explained and interpreted by the pathologist. Eye examinations were performed by an ophthalmologist. The association between possible complications with work experience in the radar section and exposure to electromagnetic waves was analyzed.
Results: A total of 161 radar users with mean work experience of 8.6 years (2-22 years) who had long exposure to electromagnetic waves were studied. A total of 113 (70.2%) had more than 5 years of work experience in the radar sector. Only 6 (8.1%) out of 74 were infertile. A total of 7 (0.4%) of the 161 had cataracts, and inflammation and redness of the eye was observed in 13 (8%) of the 161. Headache was recorded in 62 (38.5%) of the 161. No cases of leukemia were recorded. The relationship between the duration of exposure to electromagnetic waves with complications such as infertility, cataracts, inflammation and redness of the eye, and headache was not significant. However, in those who were exposed to electromagnetic waves for more than five years, the frequency of these complications was higher.
Conclusion: The increase in the duration of exposure to electromagnetic waves with complications such as infertility, cataracts, inflammation and redness of the eye, headache in radar users were not significantly related. However, in people working with electromagnetic waves for more than five years, the frequency of these complications was higher. Therefore, general precautions in workplace safety guidance and regular medical examinations for these personnel is recommended.