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Bosch-Capblanch X, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Eyers J, Auer C, Meremikwu M, Röösli M. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on human self-reported symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108612. [PMID: 38640611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The technological applications of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been steadily increasing since the 1950s exposing large proportions of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF. OBJECTIVES To systematically assess the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on self-reported non-specific symptoms in human subjects and to assess the accuracy of perceptions of presence or absence of RF-EMF exposure. METHODS Eligibility criteria: experimental studies carried out in the general population and in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF), in any language. INFORMATION SOURCES Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Embase and EMF portal, searched till April 2022. Risk of Bias (ROB): we used the RoB tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS we synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses, where appropriate. RESULTS Included studies: 41 studies were included, mostly cross over trials and from Europe, with a total of 2,874 participants. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS considering the primary outcomes, we carried out meta-analyses of 10 exposure-outcomes pairs. All evidence suggested no or small non-significant effects of exposure on symptoms with high (three comparisons), moderate (four comparisons), low (one comparison) and very low (two comparisons) certainty of evidence. The effects (standard mean difference, where positive values indicate presence of symptom being exposed) in the general population for head exposure were (95% confidence intervals) 0.08 (-0.07 to 0.22) for headache, -0.01 (-0.22 to 0.20) for sleeping disturbances and 0.13 (-0.51 to 0.76) for composite symptoms; and for whole-body exposure: 0.09 (-0.35 to 0.54), 0.00 (-0.15 to 0.15) for sleeping disturbances and -0.05 (-0.17 to 0.07) for composite symptoms. For IEI-EMF individuals SMD ranged from -0.19 to 0.11, all of them with confidence intervals crossing the value of zero. Further, the available evidence suggested that study volunteers could not perceive the EMF exposure status better than what is expected by chance and that IEI-EMF individuals could not determine EMF conditions better than the general population. DISCUSSION Limitations of evidence: experimental conditions are substantially different from real-life situations in the duration, frequency, distance and position of the exposure. Most studies were conducted in young, healthy volunteers, who might be more resilient to RF-EMF than the general population. The outcomes of interest in this systematic review were symptoms, which are self-reported. The available information did not allow to assess the potential effects of exposures beyond acute exposure and in elderly or in chronically ill people. It cannot be ruled out that a real EMF effect in IEI-EMF groups is masked by a mix with insensitive subjects. However, studies on symptoms reporting and/or field perceptions did not find any evidence that there were particularly vulnerable individuals in the IEI-EMF group, although in open provocation studies, when volunteers were informed about the presence or absence of EMF exposure, such differences were consistently observed. INTERPRETATION available evidence suggests that acute RF-EMF below regulatory limits does not cause symptoms and corresponding claims in the everyday life are related to perceived and not to real EMF exposure status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ekpereonne Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Chioma Moses Oringanje
- Department of Biology, College of Art & Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH 45247, USA.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - John Eyers
- Independent Consultant & Senior Research Fellow, 3ie, c/o LIDC, 20 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Christian Auer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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Röösli M, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Eyers J, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Meremikwu M, Bosch-Capblanch X. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A systematic review and meta-analysis on human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108338. [PMID: 38104437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and in industry (RF heaters). OBJECTIVES The objective is to systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole human body radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on the occurrence of symptoms. Primary hypotheses were tinnitus, migraine and headaches in relation to RF-EMF exposure of the brain, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores in relation to whole-body RF-EMF exposure. METHODS Eligibility criteria: We included case-control and prospective cohort studies in the general population or workers estimating local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one week. INFORMATION SOURCES We conducted a systematic literature search in various databases including Web of Science and Medline. Risk of bias: We used the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS We synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Included studies: We included 13 papers from eight distinct cohort and one case-control studies with a total of 486,558 participants conducted exclusively in Europe. Tinnitus is addressed in three papers, migraine in one, headaches in six, sleep disturbances in five, and composite symptom scores in five papers. Only one study addressed occupational exposure. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS For all five priority hypotheses, available research suggests that RF-EMF exposure below guideline values does not cause symptoms, but the evidence is very uncertain. The very low certainty evidence is due the low number of studies, possible risk of bias in some studies, inconsistencies, indirectness, and imprecision. In terms of non-priority hypotheses numerous exposure-outcome combinations were addressed in the 13 eligible papers without indication for an association related to a specific symptom or exposure source. DISCUSSION Limitations of evidence: This review topic includes various challenges related to confounding control and exposure assessment. Many of these aspects are inherently present and not easy to be solved in future research. Since near-field exposure from wireless communication devices is related to lifestyle, a particular challenge is to differentiate between potential biophysical effects and other potential effects from extensive use of wireless communication devices that may compete with healthy behaviour such as sleeping or physical activity. Future research needs novel and innovative methods to differentiate between these two hypothetical mechanisms. INTERPRETATION This is currently the best available evidence to underpin safety of RF-EMF. There is no indication that RF-EMF below guideline values causes symptoms. However, inherent limitations of the research results in substantial uncertainty. OTHER Funding: This review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme. REGISTRATION The protocol for this review has been registered in Prospero (reg no CRD42021239432) and published in Environment International (Röösli et al., 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, 3ie, c/o LIDC, 20 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2NS, UK
| | - Ekpereonne Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Chioma Moses Oringanje
- Department of Biology, College of Art & Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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Balmori A. Evidence for a health risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations: From radiofrequency sickness to cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113851. [PMID: 35843283 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to perform a complete review of the existing scientific literature to update the knowledge on the effects of base station antennas on humans. Studies performed in real urban conditions, with mobile phone base stations situated close to apartments, were selected. Overall results of this review show three types of effects by base station antennas on the health of people: radiofrequency sickness (RS), cancer (C) and changes in biochemical parameters (CBP). Considering all the studies reviewed globally (n = 38), 73.6% (28/38) showed effects: 73.9% (17/23) for radiofrequency sickness, 76.9% (10/13) for cancer and 75.0% (6/8) for changes in biochemical parameters. Furthermore, studies that did not meet the strict conditions to be included in this review provided important supplementary evidence. The existence of similar effects from studies by different sources (but with RF of similar characteristics), such as radar, radio and television antennas, wireless smart meters and laboratory studies, reinforce the conclusions of this review. Of special importance are the studies performed on animals or trees near base station antennas that cannot be aware of their proximity and to which psychosomatic effects can never be attributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balmori
- C/ Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14 47014, Valladolid, Spain.
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Hinrikus H, Koppel T, Lass J, Orru H, Roosipuu P, Bachmann M. Possible health effects on the human brain by various generations of mobile telecommunication: a review based estimation of 5G impact. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1210-1221. [PMID: 34995145 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2026516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The deployment of new 5G NR technology has significantly raised public concerns in possible negative effects on human health by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). The current review is aimed to clarify the differences between possible health effects caused by the various generations of telecommunication technology, especially discussing and projecting possible health effects by 5G. The review of experimental studies on the human brain over the last fifteen years and the discussion on physical mechanisms and factors determining the dependence of the RF EMF effects on frequency and signal structure have been performed to discover and explain the possible distinctions between health effects by different telecommunication generations. CONCLUSIONS The human experimental studies on RF EMF effects on the human brain by 2G, 3G and 4G at frequencies from 450 to 2500 MHz were available for analyses. The search for publications indicated no human experimental studies by 5G nor at the RF EMF frequencies higher than 2500 MHz. The results of the current review demonstrate no consistent relationship between the character of RF EMF effects and parameters of exposure by different generations (2G, 3G, 4G) of telecommunication technology. At the RF EMF frequencies lower than 10 GHz, the impact of 5G NR FR1 should have no principal differences compared to the previous generations. The radio frequencies used in 5G are even higher and the penetration depths of the fields are smaller, therefore the effect is rather lower than at previous generations. At the RF EMF frequencies higher than 10 GHz, the mechanism of the effects might differ and the impact of 5G NR FR2 becomes unpredictable. Existing knowledge about the mechanism of RF EMF effects at millimeter waves lacks sufficient experimental data and theoretical models for reliable conclusions. The insufficient knowledge about the possible health effects at millimeter waves and the lack of in vivo experimental studies on 5G NR underline an urgent need for the theoretical and experimental investigations of health effects by 5G NR, especially by 5G NR FR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiie Hinrikus
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Hans Orru
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Roosipuu
- Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maie Bachmann
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Röösli M, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Feychting M, Eyers J, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Meremikwu M, Bosch-Capblanch X. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review on human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106852. [PMID: 34500362 PMCID: PMC8484767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and in industry (RF heaters). Concern has been raised that RF-EMF exposure affects health related quality of life, because a part of the population reports to experience a variety of symptoms related to low exposure levels below regulatory limits. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole human body RF-EMF exposure on the occurrence of symptoms evaluating migraine, tinnitus, headaches, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores as primary outcomes. METHODS We will follow the WHO handbook for guideline development. For the development of the systematic review protocol we considered handbook for conducting systematic reviews for health effects evaluations from the National Toxicology Program-Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP-OHAT) and COSTER (Recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews in toxicology and environmental health research). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Peer-reviewed epidemiological studies in the general population or workers aiming to investigate the association between local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one week and symptoms are eligible for inclusion. Only cohort, case-control and panel studies will be included. INFORMATION SOURCES We will search the scientific literature databases Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and Embase, using a predefined search strategy. This search will be supplemented by a search in the EMF-Portal and checks of reference lists of relevant papers and reviews. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHOD Data from included papers will be extracted according to predefined forms. Findings will be summarized in tables, graphical displays and in a narrative synthesis of the available evidence, complemented with meta-analyses. We will separately review effects of local, far field and occupational exposure. RISK OF BIAS The internal validity of included studies will be assessed using the NTP-OHAT Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies, elaborated to observational RF-EMF studies. EVIDENCE APPRAISAL To rate certainty of the evidence, we will use the OHAT GRADE-based approach for epidemiological studies. FRAMEWORK AND FUNDING This protocol concerns one of the ten different systematic reviews considered in a larger systematic review of the World Health Organization to assess potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF in the general and working population. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021239432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, 3ie, c/o LIDC, 20 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Ekpereonne Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Chioma Moses Oringanje
- Department of Biology, College of Art & Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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Hinrikus H, Lass J, Bachmann M. Threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field effect on human brain. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:1505-1515. [PMID: 34402382 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to estimate the threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) effects on human brain based on analyses of published research results. To clarify the threshold of the RF EMF effects, two approaches have been applied: (1) the analyses of restrictions in sensitivity for different steps of the physical model of low-level RF EMF mechanism and (2) the analyses of experimental data to clarify the dependence of the RF EMF effect on exposure level based on the results of published original neurophysiological and behavioral human studies for 15 years 2007-2021. CONCLUSIONS The analyses of the physical model of nonthermal mechanisms of RF EMF effect leads to conclusion that no principal threshold of the effect can be determined. According to the review of experimental data, the rate of detected RF EMF effects is 76.7% in resting EEG studies, 41.7% in sleep EEG and 38.5% in behavioral studies. The changes in EEG probably appear earlier than alterations in behavior become evident. The lowest level of RF EMF at which the effect in EEG was detected is 2.45 V/m (SAR = 0.003 W/kg). There is a preliminary indication that the dependence of the effect on the level of exposure follows rather field strength than SAR alterations. However, no sufficient data are available for clarifying linearity-nonlinearity of the dependence of effect on the level of RF EMF. The finding that only part of people are sensitive to RF EMF exposure can be related to immunity to radiation or hypersensitivity. The changes in EEG caused by RF EMF appeared similar in the majority of analyzed studies and similar to these in depression. The possible causal relationship between RF EMF effect and depression among young people is highly important problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Singh MM, Chandel P, Pati A, Parganiha A. Does exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) affect the circadian rhythm of rest-activity patterns and behavioral sleep variables in humans? BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2021.1945788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Priyanka Chandel
- School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
| | - Atanu Pati
- School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
- Center for Translational Chronobiology, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
- Department of Zoology, Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, India
| | - Arti Parganiha
- School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
- Center for Translational Chronobiology, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India
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Martin S, De Giudici P, Genier JC, Cassagne E, Doré JF, Ducimetière P, Evrard AS, Letertre T, Ségala C. Health disturbances and exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile-phone base stations in French urban areas. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110583. [PMID: 33285159 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of radiofrequency exposure on the health of people living near mobile-phone base stations (MPBSs) have been the subject of several studies since the mid-2000s, with contradictory results. We aimed to investigate the association between measured exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from MPBSs and the presence of self-reported non-specific and insomnia-like symptoms. A cross-sectional survey conducted between 2015 and 2017 in five large cities in France involved 354 people living in buildings located at a distance of 250 m or less from an MPBS and in the main transmit beam of the antennas. Information on environmental concerns, anxiety, and non-specific and insomnia-like symptoms was collected with a questionnaire administrated by telephone. A complete broadband field-meter measurement [100 kHz - 6 GHz] was then made at five points of each dwelling, followed by a spectral analysis at the point of highest exposure, detailing the contribution of each service, including MPBS. The median exposure from MPBS was 0.27 V/m (0.44 V/m for global field), ranging from 0.03 V/m to 3.58 V/m, MPBSs being the main source of exposure for 64% of the dwellings. In this study population, the measured exposure from MPBSs was not associated with self-reported non-specific or insomnia-like symptoms. However, for insomnia-like symptoms, a significant interaction was found between RF-EMF exposure from MPBSs and environmental concerns. These findings do not support the hypothesis of an effect of RF-EMF from MPBSs on non-specific or insomnia-like symptoms in the overall population. Studies are needed to further investigate the positive association observed between exposure from MPBSs and insomnia-like symptoms among people reporting environmental concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jean-François Doré
- Inserm UA8 Radiations: Défense, Santé, Environnement, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | - Anne-Sophie Evrard
- Univ Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, Univ Lyon 1, Umrestte, UMR, T9405, Bron, France
| | - Thierry Letertre
- SONDRA, Centrale Supélec, Université Paris Saclay, Gif sur Yvette, France
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Abstract
Abstract
Background and objective
The extent to which adult sleep varies depending on the day of the week has not yet been systematically investigated with electroencephalography (EEG) data. Whether such effects exist and whether they are related to age, gender, and employment status was retrospectively analyzed based on data from an experimental double-blind cross-over study in which effects of electromagnetic fields of a cell phone base station on the sleep of a general rural population had been examined.
Methods
The sleep of 397 adults (age 45.0 ± 14.2 years, range 18–81 years; 50.9% women) from ten different rural German villages was recorded for 12 nights with ambulatory devices. Self-reported sleep quality was recorded in morning and evening protocols. Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis of the comparison between the days, and the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for pairwise comparisons of independent parameters between groups.
Results
For the present analysis, data from 335 participants were considered. Overall, the differences between nights were small and the quality of sleep was good. Three of the five objective and all six self-rated sleep parameters differed significantly between the days of the week. While the objective and the self-estimated total sleep time were longest on Sunday nights, the qualitatively poorest values occurred on Monday nights. People who worked fulltime had the longest sleep latencies on Sunday nights. Friday nights were rated the best.
Conclusion
The objective and self-rated sleep quality varied relatively little in a rural adult population over the course of the week, being worst on Monday nights and best on Friday nights.
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Eggert T, Dorn H, Sauter C, Schmid G, Danker-Hopfe H. RF-EMF exposure effects on sleep - Age doesn't matter in men! ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110173. [PMID: 32931791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there are several human experimental studies on short-term effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on sleep, the role of effect modification by sex or age in this context has not yet been considered. In an earlier study, we observed sex differences in RF-EMF effects in elderly subjects. The present study investigated possible RF-EMF effect modifications by age in men. METHODS Data available for the present analysis come from three double-blind, randomized cross-over studies, in which effects of different RF-EMF exposure signals on sleep were investigated in young [sample 1: 25.3 (mean) ± 2.6 (SD) years; sample 2: 25.4 ± 2.6 years; n = 30, respectively] and older (69.1 ± 5.5 years; n = 30) healthy male volunteers. Studies comprised a screening/adaptation night followed by nine experimental nights at two-week intervals. RF-EMF exposure effect modifications by age were analysed for two different exposure signals (GSM900 at 2 W/kg, TETRA at 6 W/kg), each compared to a sham exposure. Polysomnography, during which the exposure signals were delivered by a head worn antenna, as well as sleep staging were performed according to the AASM standard. Four subjective and 30 objective sleep parameters were statistically analysed related to possible RF-EMF effects. RESULTS Comparisons of sleep parameters observed under sham exposure revealed highly pronounced physiological differences between young and elderly men. A consistent exposure effect in both age groups was found for a shorter latency to persistent sleep under TETRA exposure reflecting a sleep-promoting effect. Exposure effect modifications by age were observed for two of the four self-reported sleep parameters following GSM900 exposure and for arousals during REM sleep under TETRA exposure. CONCLUSIONS As effects of a short-term all-night RF-EMF exposure on sleep occurred only sporadically in young and elderly men, it seems that age doesn't matter in this respect. However, as long as there are no corresponding data from young healthy women that would allow a comparison with the data from elderly women, this assumption cannot be conclusively verified. Nevertheless, the present results are not indicative of any adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Eggert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Competence Centre for Sleep Medicine, at the Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Dorn
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Competence Centre for Sleep Medicine, at the Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Sauter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Competence Centre for Sleep Medicine, at the Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12200, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gernot Schmid
- Seibersdorf Laboratories, 2444, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Heidi Danker-Hopfe
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Competence Centre for Sleep Medicine, at the Campus Benjamin Franklin, 12200, Berlin, Germany.
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Danker-Hopfe H, Bueno-Lopez A, Dorn H, Schmid G, Hirtl R, Eggert T. Spending the night next to a router – Results from the first human experimental study investigating the impact of Wi-Fi exposure on sleep. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 228:113550. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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12
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Tettamanti G, Auvinen A, Åkerstedt T, Kojo K, Ahlbom A, Heinävaara S, Elliott P, Schüz J, Deltour I, Kromhout H, Toledano MB, Poulsen AH, Johansen C, Vermeulen R, Feychting M, Hillert L. Long-term effect of mobile phone use on sleep quality: Results from the cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 140:105687. [PMID: 32276731 PMCID: PMC7272128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure (RF-EMF) from mobile phone use on sleep quality has mainly been investigated in cross-sectional studies. The few previous prospective cohort studies found no or inconsistent associations, but had limited statistical power and short follow-up. In this large prospective cohort study, our aim was to estimate the effect of RF-EMF from mobile phone use on different sleep outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included Swedish (n = 21,049) and Finnish (n = 3120) participants enrolled in the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) with information about operator-recorded mobile phone use at baseline and sleep outcomes both at baseline and at the 4-year follow-up. Sleep disturbance, sleep adequacy, daytime somnolence, sleep latency, and insomnia were assessed using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) sleep questionnaire. RESULTS Operator-recorded mobile phone use at baseline was not associated with most of the sleep outcomes. For insomnia, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.51 was observed in the highest decile of mobile phone call-time (>258 min/week). With weights assigned to call-time to account for the lower RF-EMF exposure from Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS, 3G) than from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G) the OR was 1.09 (95% CI 0.89-1.33) in the highest call-time decile. CONCLUSION Insomnia was slightly more common among mobile phone users in the highest call-time category, but adjustment for the considerably lower RF-EMF exposure from the UMTS than the GSM network suggests that this association is likely due to other factors associated with mobile phone use than RF-EMF. No association was observed for other sleep outcomes. In conclusion, findings from this study do not support the hypothesis that RF-EMF from mobile phone use has long-term effects on sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Tettamanti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anssi Auvinen
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland; Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences/Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Torbjörn Åkerstedt
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Stress Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Kojo
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anders Ahlbom
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sirpa Heinävaara
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paul Elliott
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joachim Schüz
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Radiation Section, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Deltour
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Radiation Section, Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- University of Utrecht, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Christoffer Johansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; CASTLE Cancer Late Effect Research Oncology Clinic, Center for Surgery and Cancer, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- University of Utrecht, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lena Hillert
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Dieudonné M. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a critical review of explanatory hypotheses. Environ Health 2020; 19:48. [PMID: 32375774 PMCID: PMC7201940 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition defined by the attribution of non-specific symptoms to electromagnetic fields (EMF) of anthropogenic origin. Despite its repercussions on the lives of its sufferers, and its potential to become a significant public health issue, it remains of a contested nature. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of symptoms experienced by self-declared EHS persons, which this article aims to review. METHODS As EHS is a multi-dimensional problem, and its explanatory hypotheses have far-reaching implications, a broad view was adopted, not restricted to EHS literature but encompassing all relevant bodies of research on related topics. This could only be achieved through a narrative approach. Two strategies were used to identify pertinent references. Concerning EHS, a complete bibliography was extracted from a 2018 report from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety and updated with more recent studies. Concerning related topics, the appropriate databases were searched. Systematic reviews and expert reports were favored when available. FINDINGS Three main explanatory hypotheses appear in the literature: (1) the electromagnetic hypothesis, attributing EHS to EMF exposure; (2) the cognitive hypothesis, assuming that EHS results from false beliefs in EMF harmfulness, promoting nocebo responses to perceived EMF exposure; (3) the attributive hypothesis, conceiving EHS as a coping strategy for pre-existing conditions. These hypotheses are successively assessed, considering both their strengths and limitations, by comparing their theoretical, experimental, and ecological value. CONCLUSION No hypothesis proves totally satisfying. Avenues of research are suggested to help decide between them and reach a better understanding of EHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maël Dieudonné
- Max Weber Center, Institut des Sciences de l'Homme, 14 avenue Berthelot, F-69007, Lyon, France.
- Health Services and Performance Research, University Hospital of Lyon, 162 avenue Lacassagne, F-69003, Lyon, France.
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14
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Schmid G, Hirtl R, Bueno‐Lopez A, Dorn H, Eggert T, Danker‐Hopfe H. Design and Dosimetric Analysis of an Exposure Facility for Investigating Possible Effects of 2.45 GHz Wi‐Fi Signals on Human Sleep. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:230-240. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rene Hirtl
- Seibersdorf Laboratories Seibersdorf Austria
| | - Ana Bueno‐Lopez
- Competence Center of Sleep MedicineCharité‐Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Hans Dorn
- Competence Center of Sleep MedicineCharité‐Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Torsten Eggert
- Competence Center of Sleep MedicineCharité‐Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Germany
| | - Heidi Danker‐Hopfe
- Competence Center of Sleep MedicineCharité‐Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Germany
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15
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Ohayon MM, Stolc V, Freund FT, Milesi C, Sullivan SS. The potential for impact of man-made super low and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on sleep. Sleep Med Rev 2019; 47:28-38. [PMID: 31252334 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An ever-growing number of electromagnetic (EM) emission sources elicits health concerns, particularly stemming from the ubiquitous low to extremely low frequency fields from power lines and appliances, and the radiofrequency fields emitted from telecommunication devices. In this article we review the state of knowledge regarding possible impacts of electromagnetic fields on melatonin secretion and on sleep structure and the electroencephalogram of humans. Most of the studies on the effects of melatonin on humans have been conducted in the presence of EM fields, focusing on the effects of occupational or residential exposures. While some of the earlier studies indicated that EM fields may have a suppressive effect on melatonin, the results cannot be generalized because of the large variability in exposure conditions and other factors that may influence melatonin. For instance, exposure to radiofrequency EM fields on sleep architecture show little or no effect. However, a number of studies show that pulsating radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, such as those emitted from cellular phones, can alter brain physiology, increasing the electroencephalogram power in selective bands when administered immediately prior to or during sleep. Additional research is necessary that would include older populations and evaluate the interactions of EM fields in different frequency ranges to examine their effects on sleep in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice M Ohayon
- Stanford Sleep Epidemiology Research Center, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA.
| | - Victor Stolc
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
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16
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Kerbl R. Mythen in der Pädiatrie: „Schlaf“. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-018-0598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Longitudinal associations between risk appraisal of base stations for mobile phones, radio or television and non-specific symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2018; 112:81-89. [PMID: 30097140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies found that higher risk appraisal of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields is associated with reporting more non-specific symptoms such as headache and back pain. There is limited data available on the longitudinal nature of such associations and what aspects of risk appraisal and characteristics of subjects are relevant. OBJECTIVE To examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between risk appraisal measures and non-specific symptoms, and assess the role of subject characteristics (sex, age, education, trait negative affect) in a general population cohort. METHODS This study was nested in the Dutch general population AMIGO cohort that was established in 2011/2012, when participants were 31-65 years old. We studied a sample of participants (n = 1720) who filled in two follow-up questionnaires in 2013 and 2014, including questions about perceived exposure, perceived risk, and health concerns as indicators of risk appraisal of base stations, and non-specific symptoms. RESULTS Perceived exposure, perceived risk, and health concerns, respectively, were associated with higher symptom scores in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Only health concerns (not perceived exposure and perceived risk) temporally preceded high symptom scores and vice versa. Female sex, younger age, higher education, and higher trait negative affect were associated with higher risk appraisal of mobile phone base stations. DISCUSSION The findings in this study strengthen the evidence base for cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between higher risk appraisal and non-specific symptoms in the general population. However, the directionality of potential causal relations in non-sensitive general population samples should be examined further in future studies, providing information to the benefit of risk communication strategies.
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18
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Pouillon L, Socha M, Demore B, Thilly N, Abitbol V, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. The nocebo effect: a clinical challenge in the era of biosimilars. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 14:739-749. [PMID: 30118338 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2018.1512406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The nocebo effect is defined as a negative effect of a pharmacological or non-pharmacological medical treatment that is induced by patients' expectations, and that is unrelated to the physiological action of the treatment. The nocebo effect is an important clinical challenge in the current era of biosimilars. Areas covered: This review aims to answer five key questions about the nocebo effect, namely to reveal its definition, pathophysiology, clinical relevance, contributing factors, and management. Expert commentary: The nocebo effect lowers patients' quality of life and negatively affects treatment adherence rates in biosimilar-treated patients. It may negatively impact on the cost-savings of biosimilars. Health-care providers in charge of biosimilar-treated patients need to be aware of the nocebo effect and adopt strategies to minimize it. They have to be well-informed and confident about the existing evidence about biosimilars. A good patient-physician relationship will improve patients' acceptance of biosimilars, and limits the risk of inappropriate negative bias and the nocebo effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieven Pouillon
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Nancy University Hospital , Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France.,b Imelda GI Clinical Research Centre , Imeldaziekenhuis Bonheiden , Bonheiden , Belgium
| | - Marie Socha
- c Université de Lorraine, Labo CITHEFOR , Nancy , France.,d Pôle Pharmacie , Nancy University Hospital , Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France
| | - Beatrice Demore
- d Pôle Pharmacie , Nancy University Hospital , Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France.,e Université de Lorraine, Labo APEMAC , Nancy , France
| | - Nathalie Thilly
- e Université de Lorraine, Labo APEMAC , Nancy , France.,f Plateforme d'Aide à la Recherche Clinique , Nancy University Hospital , Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy , France
| | - Vered Abitbol
- g Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology , Cochin Hospital , Paris , France
| | - Silvio Danese
- h Department of Biomedical Sciences , Humanitas University , Rozzano, Milan , Italy
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19
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Halgamuge MN. Review: Weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phone radiation on plants. Electromagn Biol Med 2016; 36:213-235. [PMID: 27650031 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2016.1220389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this article was to explore the hypothesis that non-thermal, weak, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have an effect on living plants. SUBJECT AND METHODS In this study, we performed an analysis of the data extracted from the 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1996-2016) describing 169 experimental observations to detect the physiological and morphological changes in plants due to the non-thermal RF-EMF effects from mobile phone radiation. Twenty-nine different species of plants were considered in this work. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates that the data from a substantial amount of the studies on RF-EMFs from mobile phones show physiological and/or morphological effects (89.9%, p < 0.001). Additionally, our analysis of the results from these reported studies demonstrates that the maize, roselle, pea, fenugreek, duckweeds, tomato, onions and mungbean plants seem to be very sensitive to RF-EMFs. Our findings also suggest that plants seem to be more responsive to certain frequencies, especially the frequencies between (i) 800 and 1500 MHz (p < 0.0001), (ii) 1500 and 2400 MHz (p < 0.0001) and (iii) 3500 and 8000 MHz (p = 0.0161). CONCLUSION The available literature on the effect of RF-EMFs on plants to date observed the significant trend of radiofrequency radiation influence on plants. Hence, this study provides new evidence supporting our hypothesis. Nonetheless, this endorses the need for more experiments to observe the effects of RF-EMFs, especially for the longer exposure durations, using the whole organisms. The above observation agrees with our earlier study, in that it supported that it is not a well-grounded method to characterize biological effects without considering the exposure duration. Nevertheless, none of these findings can be directly associated with human; however, on the other hand, this cannot be excluded, as it can impact the human welfare and health, either directly or indirectly, due to their complexity and varied effects (calcium metabolism, stress proteins, etc.). This study should be useful as a reference for researchers conducting epidemiological studies and the long-term experiments, using whole organisms, to observe the effects of RF-EMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malka N Halgamuge
- a Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia
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20
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Klaps A, Ponocny I, Winker R, Kundi M, Auersperg F, Barth A. Mobile phone base stations and well-being--A meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:24-30. [PMID: 26657246 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
It is unclear whether electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone base stations affect well-being in adults. The existing studies on this topic are highly inconsistent. In the current paper we attempt to clarify this question by carrying out a meta-analysis which is based on the results of 17 studies. Double-blind studies found no effects on human well-being. By contrast, field or unblinded studies clearly showed that there were indeed effects. This provides evidence that at least some effects are based on a nocebo effect. Whether there is an influence of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone base stations thus depends on a person's knowledge about the presence of the presumed cause. Taken together, the results of the meta-analysis show that the effects of mobile phone base stations seem to be rather unlikely. However, nocebo effects occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Klaps
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivo Ponocny
- Department of Applied Statistics and Economics, MODUL University Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Winker
- Health and Prevention Center of the Insurance Institution for Vienna Employees, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alfred Barth
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Linz, Austria.
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21
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Porsius JT, Claassen L, Woudenberg F, Smid T, Timmermans DRM. Nocebo responses to high-voltage power lines: Evidence from a prospective field study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 543:432-438. [PMID: 26599143 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental studies suggest that nocebo responses might occur after exposure to equipment emitting electromagnetic fields such as high voltage power lines (HVPLs) or mobile phone base stations. OBJECTIVES The present study investigates to what extent health responses to a new HVPL can be explained by beliefs of residents regarding the health effects of HVPLs. METHODS We used a quasi-experimental prospective field study design with two pretests during the construction of a new HVPL, and two posttests after it has been put into operation. Residents living near (0-300 m, n=229; 300-500 m, n=489) and farther away (500-2000 m, n=536) filled out questionnaires about their health and their beliefs about the negative health effects of power lines. Longitudinal mediation models were applied to investigate to what extent these beliefs could explain a change in reported symptoms after the new line was put into operation. RESULTS Significant (p<.01) indirect effects were found for proximity on the increase in reported cognitive (R(2)=0.41) and somatic (R(2)=0.79) symptoms after the power line was put into operation through an increase in the belief that power lines causes health effects. The direct effects of proximity on an increase in reported symptoms were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that increases in reported health complaints after a new HVPL has been put into operation can be explained by nocebo mechanisms. Future field studies are needed to know whether our findings extend to other environmental health issues in a community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarry T Porsius
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Claassen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tjabe Smid
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; KLM Health Services, Schiphol, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle R M Timmermans
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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22
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Krone L, Frase L, Piosczyk H, Selhausen P, Zittel S, Jahn F, Kuhn M, Feige B, Mainberger F, Klöppel S, Riemann D, Spiegelhalder K, Baglioni C, Sterr A, Nissen C. Top-down control of arousal and sleep: Fundamentals and clinical implications. Sleep Med Rev 2016; 31:17-24. [PMID: 26883160 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sleep emerges from attenuated activity in the ascending reticular arousal system (ARAS), the main arousal network of the brain. This system originates in the brainstem and activates the thalamus and cortex during wakefulness via a well-characterized 'bottom-up' pathway. Recent studies propose that a less investigated cortico-thalamic 'top-down' pathway also regulates sleep. The present work integrates the current evidence on sleep regulation with a focus on the 'top-down' pathway and explores the potential to translate this information into clinically relevant interventions. Specifically, we elaborate the concept that arousal and sleep continuity in humans can be modulated by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques that increase or decrease cortical excitability. Based on preclinical studies, the modulatory effects of the stimulation are thought to extend to subcortical arousal networks. Further exploration of the 'top-down' regulation of sleep and its modulation through non-invasive brain stimulation techniques may contribute to the development of novel treatments for clinical conditions of disrupted arousal and sleep, which are among the major health problems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Krone
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Lukas Frase
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Hannah Piosczyk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Peter Selhausen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Sulamith Zittel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Friederike Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Marion Kuhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Bernd Feige
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Florian Mainberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Stefan Klöppel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Kai Spiegelhalder
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Chiara Baglioni
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Nissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychophysiology/ Sleep Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany.
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Berthelot JM. Is electromagnetic hypersensitivity entirely ascribable to nocebo effects? Joint Bone Spine 2015; 83:121-3. [PMID: 26677989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie Berthelot
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôtel-Dieu, CHU de Nantes, place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44093 Nantes cedex 01, France.
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Khan MN, Nock R, Gooneratne NS. Mobile Devices and Insomnia: Understanding Risks and Benefits. CURRENT SLEEP MEDICINE REPORTS 2015; 1:226-231. [PMID: 28344922 PMCID: PMC5363971 DOI: 10.1007/s40675-015-0027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mobile devices (smartphones and tablet computers) have become widely prevalent due to rapid improvements in function and decreasing costs. As of 2014, 90 % of US adults have a mobile phone, with 58 % having a smartphone, 32 % owning some type of e-reader, and 42 % of US adults owning a tablet computer. Mobile devices are particularly well-suited for the study of common conditions such as sleep difficulties because of their ubiquity. Around 35 to 49 % of the US adult population have problems falling asleep or have daytime sleepiness. These sleep disorders are often under-recognized because of patient-physician communication difficulties, low rates of medical awareness resulting in underreporting of insomnia symptoms, and limited primary care physician (PCP) training in insomnia recognition. Mobile devices have the potential to bridge some of these gaps, but they can also lead to sleep difficulties when used inappropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed N. Khan
- College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Nock
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nalaka S. Gooneratne
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Porsius JT, Claassen L, Smid T, Woudenberg F, Petrie KJ, Timmermans DRM. Symptom reporting after the introduction of a new high-voltage power line: a prospective field study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:112-117. [PMID: 25704831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is public concern about the potential health effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) of high-voltage power lines (HVPLs). Some residents living near HVPLs believe ELF-EMF might cause non-specific health complaints. OBJECTIVES The present study is the first to prospectively investigate whether self-reported health complaints and causal beliefs increase after the construction of a new power line. METHODS We used a quasi-experimental design with two pretests before and two posttests after a new HVPL was put into operation. Residents living near (0-300m, n=229; 300-500m, n=489) and farther away (500-2000m, n=536) participated in the study. Linear mixed models were fitted to test whether symptom reports and beliefs that power lines caused health complaints increased more in residents living close to the new line compared to residents living farther away. RESULTS A significantly (p<.05) larger increase from baseline in symptom reports and causal beliefs was found in residents living within 300m from the new power line when compared to residents living farther away. While symptom reports did not differ at baseline, the belief that a power line could cause these symptoms was at baseline already stronger for residents living close compared to residents living farther away. CONCLUSIONS We found a negative impact of a new HVPL on health perceptions of nearby residents, even before the line was put into operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarry T Porsius
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth Claassen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tjabe Smid
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; KLM Health Services, Schiphol, The Netherlands
| | | | - Keith J Petrie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Danielle R M Timmermans
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Crichton F, Chapman S, Cundy T, Petrie KJ. The Link between Health Complaints and Wind Turbines: Support for the Nocebo Expectations Hypothesis. Front Public Health 2014; 2:220. [PMID: 25426482 PMCID: PMC4227478 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide expansion of wind energy has met with opposition based on concerns that the infrasound generated by wind turbines causes health problems in nearby residents. In this paper, we argue that health complaints are more likely to be explained by the nocebo response, whereby adverse effects are generated by negative expectations. When individuals expect a feature of their environment or medical treatment to produce illness or symptoms, then this may start a process where the individual looks for symptoms or signs of illness to confirm these negative expectations. As physical symptoms are common in healthy people, there is considerable scope for people to match symptoms with their negative expectations. To support this hypothesis, we draw an evidence from experimental studies that show that, during exposure to wind farm sound, expectations about infrasound can influence symptoms and mood in both positive and negative directions, depending on how expectations are framed. We also consider epidemiological work showing that health complaints have primarily been located in areas that have received the most negative publicity about the harmful effects of turbines. The social aspect of symptom complaints in a community is also discussed as an important process in increasing symptom reports. Media stories, publicity, or social discourse about the reported health effects of wind turbines are likely to trigger reports of similar symptoms, regardless of exposure. Finally, we present evidence to show that the same pattern of health complaints following negative information about wind turbines has also been found in other types of environmental concerns and scares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Crichton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Simon Chapman
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Tim Cundy
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Keith J Petrie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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Gómez-Perretta C, Navarro EA, Segura J, Portolés M. Subjective symptoms related to GSM radiation from mobile phone base stations: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:e003836. [PMID: 24381254 PMCID: PMC3885815 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We performed a re-analysis of the data from Navarro et al (2003) in which health symptoms related to microwave exposure from mobile phone base stations (BSs) were explored, including data obtained in a retrospective inquiry about fear of exposure from BSs. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING La Ñora (Murcia), Spain. PARTICIPANTS Participants with known illness in 2003 were subsequently disregarded: 88 participants instead of 101 (in 2003) were analysed. Since weather circumstances can influence exposure, we restricted data to measurements made under similar weather conditions. OUTCOMES AND METHODS A statistical method indifferent to the assumption of normality was employed: namely, binary logistic regression for modelling a binary response (eg, suffering fatigue (1) or not (0)), and so exposure was introduced as a predictor variable. This analysis was carried out on a regular basis and bootstrapping (95% percentile method) was used to provide more accurate CIs. RESULTS The symptoms most related to exposure were lack of appetite (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.03); lack of concentration (OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.89); irritability (OR=1.51, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.85); and trouble sleeping (OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.84). Changes in -2 log likelihood showed similar results. Concerns about the BSs were strongly related with trouble sleeping (OR =3.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 8.86). The exposure variable remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. The bootstrapped values were similar to asymptotic CIs. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms our preliminary results. We observed that the incidence of most of the symptoms was related to exposure levels-independently of the demographic variables and some possible risk factors. Concerns about adverse effects from exposure, despite being strongly related with sleep disturbances, do not influence the direct association between exposure and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique A Navarro
- Department of Applied Physics, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaume Segura
- Department of Computer Sciences, ETSE-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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Chapman S, St. George A, Waller K, Cakic V. The pattern of complaints about Australian wind farms does not match the establishment and distribution of turbines: support for the psychogenic, 'communicated disease' hypothesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76584. [PMID: 24146893 PMCID: PMC3797792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES With often florid allegations about health problems arising from wind turbine exposure now widespread, nocebo effects potentially confound any future investigation of turbine health impact. Historical audits of health complaints are therefore important. We test 4 hypotheses relevant to psychogenic explanations of the variable timing and distribution of health and noise complaints about wind farms in Australia. SETTING All Australian wind farms (51 with 1634 turbines) operating 1993-2012. METHODS Records of complaints about noise or health from residents living near 51 Australian wind farms were obtained from all wind farm companies, and corroborated with complaints in submissions to 3 government public enquiries and news media records and court affidavits. These are expressed as proportions of estimated populations residing within 5 km of wind farms. RESULTS There are large historical and geographical variations in wind farm complaints. 33/51 (64.7%) of Australian wind farms including 18/34 (52.9%) with turbine size >1 MW have never been subject to noise or health complaints. These 33 farms have an estimated 21,633 residents within 5 km and have operated complaint-free for a cumulative 267 years. Western Australia and Tasmania have seen no complaints. 129 individuals across Australia (1 in 254 residents) appear to have ever complained, with 94 (73%) being residents near 6 wind farms targeted by anti wind farm groups. The large majority 116/129(90%) of complainants made their first complaint after 2009 when anti wind farm groups began to add health concerns to their wider opposition. In the preceding years, health or noise complaints were rare despite large and small-turbine wind farms having operated for many years. CONCLUSIONS The reported historical and geographical variations in complaints are consistent with psychogenic hypotheses that expressed health problems are "communicated diseases" with nocebo effects likely to play an important role in the aetiology of complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chapman
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexis St. George
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Waller
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vince Cakic
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Mohler E, Frei P, Fröhlich J, Braun-Fahrländer C, Röösli M. Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and sleep quality: a prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37455. [PMID: 22624036 PMCID: PMC3356284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is persistent public concern about sleep disturbances due to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate whether sleep quality is affected by mobile phone use or by other RF-EMF sources in the everyday environment. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study with 955 study participants aged between 30 and 60 years. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was assessed by means of standardized questionnaires in May 2008 (baseline) and May 2009 (follow-up). We also asked about mobile and cordless phone use and asked study participants for consent to obtain their mobile phone connection data from the mobile phone operators. Exposure to environmental RF-EMF was computed for each study participant using a previously developed and validated prediction model. In a nested sample of 119 study participants, RF-EMF exposure was measured in the bedroom and data on sleep behavior was collected by means of actigraphy during two weeks. Data were analyzed using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant confounders. Results In the longitudinal analyses neither operator-recorded nor self-reported mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances or daytime sleepiness. Also, exposure to environmental RF-EMF did not affect self-reported sleep quality. The results from the longitudinal analyses were confirmed in the nested sleep study with objectively recorded exposure and measured sleep behavior data. Conclusions We did not find evidence for adverse effects on sleep quality from RF-EMF exposure in our everyday environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Mohler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Frei
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Electromagnetic Fields and Microwave Electronics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Messung von Schlafdauer und Schlafqualität. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2011; 54:1276-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00103-011-1375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Röösli M, Hug K. Wireless communication fields and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a literature review. Wien Med Wochenschr 2011; 161:240-50. [PMID: 21638215 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-011-0883-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This is an update of a previous systematic review on the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure and health-related quality of life that included studies published before August 2007 [1]. Since then, nine randomized trials addressed short-term exposures from close-to-body RF-EMF sources such as mobile phones, and two observational studies investigated the effects of mobile phone use on health-related quality of life. Six randomized trials addressed short-term far-field exposure arising, for instance, from mobile phone base stations, and eight studies evaluated the effects of environmental far-field RF-EMF exposure. In most of the randomized trials, no exposure-response association was observed. The sporadically reported associations did not show a consistent pattern regarding the type of symptoms or the direction of the effects (increase/decrease). Similarly, most of the recent observational studies did not show associations between RF-EMF exposure and non-specific symptoms. However, the exposure gradients were small and possible exposure misclassification is a limitation of these studies. Longitudinal studies as well as studies in children and adolescents are scarce. In summary, recent research did not indicate health-related quality of life to be affected by RF-EMF exposure in our everyday environment. Furthermore, none of the studies showed that individuals with self-reported electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) were more susceptible to RF-EMF than the rest of the population. Nevertheless, the rapid technological development and anticipated increase in exposure levels warrant the conduct of further longitudinal studies. Due to the widespread use of wireless communication technologies potential adverse health effects would have major public health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
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Kowall B, Breckenkamp J, Blettner M, Schlehofer B, Schüz J, Berg-Beckhoff G. Determinants and stability over time of perception of health risks related to mobile phone base stations. Int J Public Health 2011; 57:735-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00038-011-0310-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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