Electromagnetic Field Exposure During the Use of New-Generation and Conventional Household Appliances and Health Indicators in Women: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare magnetic flux density (µT) measured during the use of new-generation and conventional household and personal-care appliances among women and to examine the associations of magnetic flux density and appliance-use characteristics with headache impact, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep quality. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study included 56 women aged 18–55 years living in Istanbul, Türkiye. Comparisons were conducted separately according to appliance type, including hair styling devices and cooking appliances. Appliance-use duration, frequency of use, total years of use, and magnetic flux density were recorded. Magnetic flux density was measured in microtesla (µT) using a portable Benetech GM3120 Electromagnetic Field Radiation Detector during appliance operation. Measurements were performed under real-life household conditions, with the measurement device held approximately 10–15 cm from the operating appliance. The appliances included in the study were newly purchased and had not been routinely used before the measurements. Health indicators were assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale, the anxiety subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Results Mean magnetic flux density was significantly higher for conventional hair styling devices than for new-generation hair stylers (38.24 ± 20.39 µT vs. 14.89 ± 11.28 µT; p < 0.001). In contrast, magnetic flux density was significantly higher during air fryer use than during conventional oven use (29.95 ± 19.88 µT vs. 5.20 ± 1.95 µT; p = 0.003). No significant differences were found between appliance types in HIT-6, fatigue, anxiety, or sleep quality scores (all p > 0.05). Mean magnetic flux density was not significantly associated with any health scale score. However, longer weekly appliance-use duration was associated with lower sleep quality (r = − 0.27; p < 0.05) and higher anxiety scores (r = 0.28; p < 0.05). Conclusion New-generation household appliances did not show a consistent pattern of lower magnetic flux density compared with conventional appliances. Magnetic flux density varied according to appliance type. Although measured magnetic flux density was not directly associated with headache impact, fatigue, anxiety, or sleep quality, longer weekly appliance-use duration was associated with poorer sleep quality and higher anxiety. These findings suggest that appliance type and patterns of use should be considered when evaluating magnetic field exposure in household settings.