Semen quality and hormone levels among radiofrequency heater operators

Approximately 9,000,000 US workers are occupationally exposed to radiofrequ ency (RF) radiation; over 250,000 operate RF dielectric heaters. Our purpos e was to determine whether mole RF heater operators experience increased ad verse reproductive effects reflected in reduced semen quality or altered ho rmone levels. We measured incident RF heater radiation exposures and RF-ind uced foot currents at four companies. For 12 male heater operators and a co mparison group of 34 RF-unexposed men, rue measured 33 parameters of semen quality and four serum hormones, Despite wide variation in individual expos ure levels, near field strengths and induced foot currents did not exceed c urrent standard levels and guidelines. We observed minor semen quality and hormonal differences between the groups, including a slightly higher mean f ollicle-stimulating hormone level for exposed operators (7.6 vs 5.8 mIU/mL) . Further occupational studies of RF-exposed men may be warranted.