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GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EFFECTS OF PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND PRENATAL ZINC ON BEHAVIOUR AND SYNAPTIC PROTEINS IN RATS. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 122:102092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Chen L, Ye A, Liu X, Lu J, Xie Q, Guo Y, Sun W. Combined effect of co-exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalates and 50-Hz magnetic-fields on promoting human amniotic cells proliferation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112704. [PMID: 34455183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) exist far and wide in our surroundings. Studies have reported that both of DEHP and ELF-EMFs could promote cell proliferation which is related with adverse bioeffects. In this study, we investigated whether there is the combined effect between DEHP and 50-Hz magnetic fields (MFs) on cell proliferation in human amniotic (FL) cells. Results revealed that the low-concentration DEHP (1 μM) could promote FL cell proliferation, whereas the high-dose DEHP (100 μM) inhibited cell proliferation. When FL cells were treated jointly by a 50-Hz, 0.2-mT MF and 0.1 μM DEHP, the proliferation rate of cells was significantly higher than that of single factor exposure. Additionally, co-exposure to under-threshold MF and DEHP could cooperatively activate protein kinase B (Akt), sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in a cascade manner, and finally mediate cell proliferation. Taken together, the findings of this study indicated that the co-exposure to under-threshold MF and DEHP could jointly promote cell proliferation through activating proliferation-related signal pathway, which warned us that it should be cautious about assessing the underlying health hazards of co-exposure to MFs and DEHP at under-threshold levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anfang Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingchun Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qixin Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yixin Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjun Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Bioelectromagnetics Key Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Tokinobu A, Tanaka K, Arakawa M, Miyake Y. Maternal Use of Induction Heating Cookers During Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: The Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study. Bioelectromagnetics 2021; 42:329-335. [PMID: 33846994 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The effects of exposure to intermediate-frequency electromagnetic fields (IF-EMFs) during pregnancy on birth outcomes are uncertain. We investigated the association between the use of induction heating (IH) cookers, which are major sources of IF-EMFs, during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and birth weight, using data from a prebirth cohort study in Japan. Study participants were 1,565 mothers with singleton pregnancies and the babies born from these pregnancies. We collected the data presented here using self-administered questionnaires. An adjustment was made for maternal age, region of residence, number of children, family structure, maternal education, maternal employment, maternal alcohol intake, smoking during pregnancy, maternal body mass index, baby's sex, and gestational age at birth. IH cooker use during pregnancy was independently associated with a reduced risk of PTB: the adjusted odds ratio was 0.28 (95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.78). IH cooker use during pregnancy was not associated with LBW, SGA, or birth weight. This is the first study to show that IH cooker use during pregnancy is independently inversely associated with PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Tokinobu
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan.,Center for Data Science, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan
| | - Keiko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan.,Center for Data Science, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan.,Research Promotion Unit, Translational Research Center, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
| | - Masashi Arakawa
- Wellness Research Fields, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyake
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan.,Center for Data Science, Ehime University, Ehime, Japan.,Research Promotion Unit, Translational Research Center, Ehime University Hospital, Ehime, Japan
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Çöl N, Kömürcü-Karuserci Ö, Demirel C. The possible effects of maternal electronic media device usage during pregnancy on children's sleep patterns. Turk Arch Pediatr 2021; 56:254-260. [PMID: 34104918 DOI: 10.5152/turkarchpediatr.2020.20138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective In recent years, there has been increasing scientific evidence about potential health risks caused by electromagnetic fields because of electronic media devices. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the possible association between electronic media device usage during pregnancy and sleep patterns in children and the possible role of electronic media device presence in the sleeping environment on children's sleep disturbances. Material and Methods The study was carried out with 400 healthy children aged between 1 month and 5 years whose parents agreed to complete the questionnaire form. The questionnaire form consisted of questions about the history of prenatal and postnatal electromagnetic field exposure caused by electronic media devices and the presence of sleep disturbances in children. Data were analyzed with SPSS for Windows program. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Sleep problems were more prevalent in children whose mothers lived near a base station during pregnancy (p<0.05). Sleep disorders were more frequent and sleep duration was shorter in children whose mothers used electronic devices (television, computer, mobile phone, wi-fi, microwave oven) during pregnancy (p<0.05). Sleep problems were also more common in children with electronic media devices in the sleeping environment during the night (p<0.05). Sleep disturbances were not associated with maternal consumption of tobacco or alcohol or history of disease during pregnancy (p>0.05). Conclusion Our results highlight that exposure to electromagnetic fields caused by electronic media devices during the prenatal or postnatal period could be associated with sleep patterns in childhood. Considering the widespread use of electronic media devices, it may be an important public health problem given the long-term consequences of sleep disorders in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilgün Çöl
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Özge Kömürcü-Karuserci
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Can Demirel
- Department of Biophysics, Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Consequences of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation during early pregnancy - androgen synthesis and release from the myometrium of pigs in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106465. [PMID: 32507253 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An electromagnetic field (EMF) has been found to affect reproductive processes in females. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low, non-ionizing EMF radiation on the steroidogenic activity of myometrium collected from pigs during the fetal peri-implantation period. Myometrial slices were treated with an EMF (50 and 120 Hz, 2 and 4 h of incubation) and examined for the aromatase cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20lyase (CYP17A1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (HSD3B1) mRNA transcript abundance, cytochrome P450c17 and 3βHSD protein abundance and the secretion of androstenedione (A4) and testosterone (T). To determine whether progesterone (P4) functions as a protectant from EMF radiation, the selected slices were treated with P4. In slices incubated without P4, EMF at 50 Hz altered cytochrome P450c17 protein abundance (4 h), HSD3B1 mRNA transcript abundance (4 h) and A4 release (2 h) as well as T release (2 h) in P4-treated slices. The EMF at 120 Hz in non P4-treated slices altered A4 release (2 and 4 h) whereas in P4-treated slices altered CYP17A1 mRNA transcript abundance (4 h), 3βHSD protein abundance (4 h), A4 (4 h) and T release (2 h). In conclusion, EMF radiation in the myometrium collected during the peri-implantation period alters the CYP17A1 and HSD3B1 mRNA transcript and encoded protein abundance, and androgen release due to the time of treatment and P4 presence or absence. The P4 did not function directly as an obvious protector against EMF radiation in the myometrium of pigs during the fetal peri-implantation period.
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Su L, Zhu L, Liu Z, Lou J, Han B, Lin C, Li D, Qian J, Zhao X, Chen G. The decreased permittivity of zebrafish embryos culture medium by magnetic fields did not affect early development of zebrafish embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 193:110350. [PMID: 32114242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110350] [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: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown associations between exposure to environmental extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and health effects, but the mechanisms of ELF-MF induced biological effects remain unclear. We hypothesized that ELF-MF may regulate functions of tissues or cells via its effects on surrounding environment, e.g., culture medium. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of 50 Hz MF on the relative permittivity of zebrafish embryos culture medium as well as of MF-exposed medium on zebrafish embryos development. The responses of medium to 50 Hz MF exposure were evaluated by a phase-sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system. The results demonstrated that MF treatment decreased relative permittivity of zebrafish embryos medium in a dose and time-dependent way. Interestingly, the decreased permittivity induced by MF exposure gradually recovered and approached to the base level when the exposure was removed off. However, MF-exposed medium did not trigger adverse consequences of embryos during zebrafish embryonic development, including mortality, malformation, hatching and heart rate when the MF pre-exposed medium was subjected to one cell-stage embryos. Moreover, the MF-exposed medium did not induce apoptosis of zebrafish embryos at 48 and 72 h post fertilization. Our data demonstrated that the relative permittivity of zebrafish embryos medium was decreased by MF exposure, whereas this decrease failed to result in abnormal development of zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Su
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, 334000, China
| | - Longtao Zhu
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhenchao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation (Zhejiang University), Centre for Optical and Electromagnetics Research, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Sensing Technologies, JORCEP (Sino-Swedish Joint Research Center of Photonics), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jianyao Lou
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bing Han
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chen Lin
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Dongyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation (Zhejiang University), Centre for Optical and Electromagnetics Research, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Sensing Technologies, JORCEP (Sino-Swedish Joint Research Center of Photonics), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jun Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation (Zhejiang University), Centre for Optical and Electromagnetics Research, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Sensing Technologies, JORCEP (Sino-Swedish Joint Research Center of Photonics), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of occupational Medicine and Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Guangdi Chen
- Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Migault L, Garlantézec R, Piel C, Marchand-Martin L, Orazio S, Cheminat M, Zaros C, Carles C, Cardis E, Ancel PY, Charles MA, de Seze R, Baldi I, Bouvier G. Maternal cumulative exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, prematurity and small for gestational age: a pooled analysis of two birth cohorts. Occup Environ Med 2019; 77:22-31. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2019-105785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundData on the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on pregnancy outcomes are inconclusive.ObjectiveTo study the relation between maternal cumulative exposure to ELF-EMF during pregnancy and the risk of prematurity or small for gestational age (SGA) in a pooled analysis of two French birth cohorts.MethodsElfe and Epipage2 are both population-based birth cohorts initiated in 2011 and included 18 329 and 8400 births, respectively. Health data and household, mother and child characteristics were obtained from medical records and questionnaires at maternity and during follow-up. A job exposure matrix was used to assess cumulative exposure to ELF-EMF during three periods: (1) until 15 weeks of gestation, (2) until 28 weeks of gestation and (3) until 32 weeks of gestation. Analyses were restricted to single live births in mainland France and to mothers with documented jobs (N=19 894). Adjusted logistic regression models were used.ResultsAccording to the period studied, 3.2%–4% of mothers were classified as highly exposed. Results were heterogeneous. Increased risks of prematurity were found among low exposed mothers for the three periods, and no association was observed among the most exposed (OR1=0.92 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.15); OR2=0.98 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.21); OR3=1.14 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.41)). For SGA, no association was observed with the exception of increased risk among the low exposed mothers in period 2 and the most exposed in period 3 (OR=1.25 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.53)).ConclusionSome heterogeneous associations between ELF-EMF exposure and prematurity and SGA were observed. However, due to heterogeneity (ie, their independence regarding the level of exposure), associations cannot be definitely explained by ELF-EMF exposure.
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Sadeghi T, Ahmadi A, Javadian M, Gholamian SA, Delavar MA, Esmailzadeh S, Ahmadi B, Hadighi MSH. Preterm birth among women living within 600 meters of high voltage overhead Power Lines: a case-control study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:145-150. [PMID: 28422709 DOI: 10.1515/rjim-2017-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The issue of preterm birth due to exposure to magnetic fields from power lines is unclear. Exposure to electromagnetic field in uterus has been hypothesized as possible preterm birth. The aim of the present study was to determine whether living closer to high voltage power lines increased the risk of preterm labor. METHODS In a nested case-control study, 135 cases of singleton live spontaneous preterm birth in Rohani hospital, Babol, Iran, during the period between 2013 and 2014 were studied. The 150 control subjects were singleton term live birth in the same year of birth and city of residence using randomized-digit dialing. The shortest distance to any of the high voltage power lines to the maternal residence during pregnancy was measured using ArcGIS software for every case and control. To test the association between the preterm births and the residential proximity to power lines, stepwise multiple logistic regression was used. RESULTS There were 28 households, 20 cases (14.8%) and 8 controls (5.3%) situated within 600 meters of high voltage power lines. The adjusted OR for spontaneous preterm birth and birth defect in women who were living in less than 600 meters from high voltage power lines was higher compared to those living at farther distance (OR = 3.28, CI: 1.37 to 7.85) and (OR = 5.05, CI: 1.52 to 16.78), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, installing overhead power lines and stations within 600 meters or making overhead underground would be useful in the prevention of both preterm birth and birth defect.
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Ren Y, Chen J, Miao M, Li DK, Liang H, Wang Z, Yang F, Sun X, Yuan W. Prenatal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field and its impact on fetal growth. Environ Health 2019; 18:6. [PMID: 30635061 PMCID: PMC6329146 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0447-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies on the effect of prenatal exposure to magnetic field (MF) on fetal growth is inconclusive and subject to some methodological limitations, particularly in measurement of MF exposure. The present study aimed to examine the association between maternal extremely low frequency MF (ELF-MF) exposure during pregnancy and fetal growth in offspring. METHODS A total of 128 pregnant women were recruited at their 3rd trimester and asked to wear an EMDEX Lite meter for 24 h to capture daily ELF-MF exposure. Time-weighted average (TWA), P50, and P75 of personal 24-h measurements were used to evaluate prenatal ELF-MF exposure. The medians of these measurements were used as cut-off points of high and low prenatal ELF-MF exposure. Fetal growth was measured by infant's birth weight, skinfold thickness of triceps, abdomen, and back, and circumference of head, upper arm, and abdomen. These measures were conducted within 24-h after birth. Generalized Linear Model was used to examine the association between maternal ELF-MF level and fetal growth indices after potential confounders were adjusted for. RESULTS Compared with girls with lower prenatal ELF-MF exposure, girls with higher exposure had a lower birth weight, thinner skinfold of triceps, abdomen and back, and smaller circumference of head, upper arm and abdomen in all three ELF-MF matrices. The differences were statistically significant for birth weight and most other growth measurements (P < 0.05). These measures had no significant difference between higher and lower prenatal ELF-MF exposure in boys except back skinfold thickness. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to higher ELF-MF levels was associated with decreased fetal growth in girls, but not in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Ren
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - De-Kun Li
- Division of Research, Kaiser Foundation Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Hong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Fen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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Migault L, Piel C, Carles C, Delva F, Lacourt A, Cardis E, Zaros C, de Seze R, Baldi I, Bouvier G. Maternal cumulative exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and pregnancy outcomes in the Elfe cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 112:165-173. [PMID: 29275242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the relations between maternal cumulative exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) and the risk of moderate prematurity and small for gestational age within the Elfe cohort. METHODS The Elfe study included 18,329 infants born at 33weeks of gestation or more in France in 2011 and was designed to follow the children until 20years of age. Gestational age and anthropometric data at birth were collected in medical records and small for gestational age was defined according to a French customized growth standard. During interviews, mothers were asked to report their job status during pregnancy. If employed, their occupation was coded according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 and the date on which they stopped their work was recorded. Cumulative exposure to ELF EMF during pregnancy was assessed, for both mothers who worked and those who did not during pregnancy, using a recently-updated job-exposure matrix (JEM). Cumulative exposure was considered as a categorical variable (<17.5, 17.5-23.8, 23.8-36.2, 36.2-61.6 or ≥61.6μT-days), a binary variable (<44.1 and ≥44.1μT-days) and a continuous variable. Associations were analyzed by logistic regression, adjusting for the mother's lifestyle factors, sociodemographic characteristics and some mother's medical history during and before pregnancy. Analyses were restricted to single births and to complete values for the pregnancy outcomes (n=16,733). RESULTS Cumulative exposure was obtained for 96.0% of the mothers. Among them, 37.5% were classified in the 23.8-36.2μT-days category, but high exposures were rare: 1.3% in the ≥61.6μT-days category and 5.5% in the ≥44.1μT-days category. No significant association was observed between maternal cumulative exposure and moderate prematurity and small for gestational age in this exposure range. CONCLUSION This large population-based study does not suggest that maternal exposure to ELF EMF during pregnancy is highly associated with risks of moderate prematurity or small for gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Migault
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France.
| | - C Piel
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - C Carles
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France; Bordeaux University Hospital, Service de Médecine du Travail et pathologie professionnelle, 608 avenue Léon Duguit, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - F Delva
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - A Lacourt
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - E Cardis
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - C Zaros
- Joint research unit Elfe, Ined-Inserm-EFS, 133 Boulevard Davout, 75020 Paris, France
| | - R de Seze
- TOXI PERITOX UMR-I-01 unit, INERIS, Parc ALATA BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, UPJV, Amiens, France
| | - I Baldi
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France; Bordeaux University Hospital, Service de Médecine du Travail et pathologie professionnelle, 608 avenue Léon Duguit, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - G Bouvier
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm U1219 EPICENE Team, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
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Calvente I, Vázquez-Pérez A, Fernández MF, Núñez MI, Múñoz-Hoyos A. Radiofrequency exposure in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:66-72. [PMID: 27741450 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to characterize electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency (RF-EMF) levels generated in a Neonatal Medium Care Unit and to analyze RF-EMF levels inside unit's incubators. Spot and long-term measurements were made with a dosimeter. The spot measurement mean was 1.51±0.48V/m. Higher values were found in the proximity to the window and to the incubator evaluated. Mean field strength for the entire period of 17h was 0.81 (±0.07)V/m and the maximum value was 1.58V/m for long-term RF-EMF measurements in the incubator. Values found during the night period were higher than those found during the day period. It is important to consider RF-EMF exposure levels in neonatal care units, due to some evidence of adverse health effects found in children and adults. Characterization of RF-EMF exposure may be important to further investigate the mechanisms and underlying effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on infant health. A prudent avoidance strategy should be adopted because newborns are at a vulnerable stage of development and the actual impact of EMF on premature infants is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Calvente
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Av. de la Investigación, 11, torre A, planta 11, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - M F Fernández
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Av. de la Investigación, 11, torre A, planta 11, 18016 Granada, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - M I Núñez
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Av. de la Investigación, 11, torre A, planta 11, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), University of Granada, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - A Múñoz-Hoyos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Granada, Spain
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12
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Woods N, Gilliland J, Seabrook JA. The influence of the built environment on adverse birth outcomes. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2017; 10:233-248. [PMID: 28854508 DOI: 10.3233/npm-16112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, and higher risk for coronary heart disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Although there has been considerable research investigating the association between maternal and environmental factors on adverse birth outcomes, one risk factor, not fully understood, is the influence of the built environment. A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane was conducted to find articles assessing the influence of the built environment on preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small-for-gestational-age (SGA). In total, 41 studies met our inclusion criteria, and were organized into nine categories: Roadways, Greenness, Power Plants, Gas Stations/Wells, Waste Management, Power Lines, Neighborhood Conditions, Food Environment, and Industry. The most common built environmental variable was roads/traffic, encompassing 17/41 (41%) of the articles reviewed, of which 12/17 (71%) found a significant small to moderate association between high traffic exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Woods
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
| | - J Gilliland
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - J A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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13
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Lewis RC, Hauser R, Maynard AD, Neitzel RL, Wang L, Kavet R, Morey P, Ford JB, Meeker JD. PERSONAL MEASURES OF POWER-FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELD EXPOSURE AMONG MEN FROM AN INFERTILITY CLINIC: DISTRIBUTION, TEMPORAL VARIABILITY AND CORRELATION WITH THEIR FEMALE PARTNERS' EXPOSURE. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2016; 172:401-408. [PMID: 26705359 PMCID: PMC5204365 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Power-frequency magnetic field exposure science as it relates to men and couples have not been explored despite the advantage of this information in the design and interpretation of reproductive health epidemiology studies. This analysis examined the distribution and temporal variability of exposures in men, and the correlation of exposures within couples using data from a longitudinal study of 25 men and their female partners recruited from an infertility clinic. The average and 90th percentile demonstrated fair to good reproducibility, whereas the maximum showed poor reproducibility over repeated sampling days, each separated by a median of 4.6 weeks. Average magnetic field exposures were also strongly correlated within couples, suggesting that one partner's data could be used as a surrogate in the absence of data from the other for this metric. Environment was also an important effect modifier in these explored matters. These issues should be considered in future relevant epidemiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Lewis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Center for Occupational & Environmental Health Risk Assessment, Exponent, Inc., 475 14th Street, Suite 400, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Building I, 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew D Maynard
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Robert Kavet
- Electric Power Research Institute, 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Patricia Morey
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Building I, 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Building I, 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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14
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Eskelinen T, Roivainen P, Mäkelä P, Juutilainen J. Reply to Comment on "Maternal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: Association with time to pregnancy and foetal growth". ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 96:192. [PMID: 27612999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Eskelinen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland; Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pentti Mäkelä
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
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15
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de Vocht F, Burstyn I. Comments on "Maternal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: Association with time to pregnancy and foetal growth". ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 96:190-191. [PMID: 27613000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank de Vocht
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Igor Burstyn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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16
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Eskelinen T, Roivainen P, Mäkelä P, Keinänen J, Kauhanen O, Saarikoski S, Juutilainen J. Maternal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields: Association with time to pregnancy and foetal growth. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:620-625. [PMID: 27395334 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on reproductive and developmental effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MFs) are inconclusive. This study tested the hypothesis that maternal exposure to ELF MFs is associated with increased time to pregnancy (TTP), reduced birthweight or small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS The study cohort consisted of 373 mothers who gave birth between 1990 and 1994 in Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. To increase prevalence of high ELF MF exposure, women living in buildings near known ELF MF sources were included. Maternal exposure to ELF MF before and during pregnancy was assessed with short term measurements in residences and questionnaires. Associations between ELF MF exposure and TTP, low birth weight and SGA were analysed by logistic regression (or linear regression for continuous variables), adjusting for factors known to be associated with the selected pregnancy outcomes, such as maternal smoking, alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status. RESULTS The MF exposure of the mothers was slightly higher than in Finnish residences in general, but very high exposures (>0.4μT) were rare. No consistent association of ELF MF with TTP, birth weight or SGA was found. CONCLUSIONS ELF MF exposure is not likely to be associated with TTP or prenatal growth at residential exposure levels that were observable in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Eskelinen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pentti Mäkelä
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Research and Development Centre for Occupational Health Services, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jari Keinänen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olavi Kauhanen
- Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Saarikoski
- Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
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Ahmadi SS, Khaki AA, Ainehchi N, Alihemmati A, Khatooni AA, Khaki A, Asghari A. Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian follicles in rats. Electron Physician 2016; 8:2168-74. [PMID: 27123226 PMCID: PMC4844484 DOI: 10.19082/2168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In recent years, there has been an increase in the attention paid to safety effects, environmental and society’s health, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), and radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The aim of this research was to determine the effect of EMF on the alteration of ovarian follicles. Methods In this experimental study at Tabriz Medical University in 2015, we did EMF exposures and assessed the alteration of rats’ ovarian follicles. Thirty three-month old rats were selected randomly from laboratory animals, and, after their ages and weights were determined, they were divided randomly into three groups. The control group consisted of 10 rats without any treatment, and they were kept in normal conditions. The second group of rats was influenced by a magnetic field of 50 Hz for eight weeks (three weeks intrauterine and five weeks ectopic). The third group of rats was influenced by a magnetic field of 50 Hz for 13 weeks (three weeks intrauterine and ten weeks ectopic). Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde and cleared with Xylol and embedded in paraffin. After sectioning and staining, samples were studied by optic microscopy. Finally, SPSS version 17, were used for data analysis. Results EMF radiation increased the harmful effects on the formation of ovarian follicles and oocytes implantation. Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on ovarian follicles have shown that the nuclei of the oocytes become smaller and change shape. There were significant, harmful changes in the groups affected by electromagnetic waves. Atresia of ovarian follicles was significantly significant in both study groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Exposure to electromagnetic fields during embryonic development can cause morphological changes in oocytes and affect the differentiation of oocytes and folliculogenesis, resulting in decreased ovarian reserve leading to infertility or reduced fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Shahin Ahmadi
- Ph.D. Student of Histology & Embryology, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Afshin Khaki
- Ph.D. of Anatomy, Associate Professor, Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nava Ainehchi
- Ph.D. Student, Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Alihemmati
- Ph.D. of Histology & Embryology, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomical sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Azam Asghari Khatooni
- M.Sc. of Midwifery, Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arash Khaki
- Ph.D. of Pathology, Associate Professor, Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- M.Sc. of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Li L, Laurent O, Wu J. Spatial variability of the effect of air pollution on term birth weight: evaluating influential factors using Bayesian hierarchical models. Environ Health 2016; 15:14. [PMID: 26850268 PMCID: PMC4744429 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies suggest that air pollution is adversely associated with pregnancy outcomes. Such associations may be modified by spatially-varying factors including socio-demographic characteristics, land-use patterns and unaccounted exposures. Yet, few studies have systematically investigated the impact of these factors on spatial variability of the air pollution's effects. This study aimed to examine spatial variability of the effects of air pollution on term birth weight across Census tracts and the influence of tract-level factors on such variability. METHODS We obtained over 900,000 birth records from 2001 to 2008 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Air pollution exposure was modeled at individual level for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) using spatiotemporal models. Two-stage Bayesian hierarchical non-linear models were developed to (1) quantify the associations between air pollution exposure and term birth weight within each tract; and (2) examine the socio-demographic, land-use, and exposure-related factors contributing to the between-tract variability of the associations between air pollution and term birth weight. RESULTS Higher air pollution exposure was associated with lower term birth weight (average posterior effects: -14.7 (95 % CI: -19.8, -9.7) g per 10 ppb increment in NO2 and -6.9 (95 % CI: -12.9, -0.9) g per 10 ppb increment in NOx). The variation of the association across Census tracts was significantly influenced by the tract-level socio-demographic, exposure-related and land-use factors. Our models captured the complex non-linear relationship between these factors and the associations between air pollution and term birth weight: we observed the thresholds from which the influence of the tract-level factors was markedly exacerbated or attenuated. Exacerbating factors might reflect additional exposure to environmental insults or lower socio-economic status with higher vulnerability, whereas attenuating factors might indicate reduced exposure or higher socioeconomic status with lower vulnerability. CONCLUSIONS Our Bayesian models effectively combined a priori knowledge with training data to infer the posterior association of air pollution with term birth weight and to evaluate the influence of the tract-level factors on spatial variability of such association. This study contributes new findings about non-linear influences of socio-demographic factors, land-use patterns, and unaccounted exposures on spatial variability of the effects of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianfa Li
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Anteater Instruction & Research Bldg (AIRB) # 2034, 653 East Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697-3957 USA
- State Key Lab of Resources and Environmental Information Systems, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, A11 Datun Road, Anwai, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Olivier Laurent
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Anteater Instruction & Research Bldg (AIRB) # 2034, 653 East Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697-3957 USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Anteater Instruction & Research Bldg (AIRB) # 2034, 653 East Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697-3957 USA
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Swanson J, Vincent TJ, Bunch KJ. Relative accuracy of grid references derived from postcode and address in UK epidemiological studies of overhead power lines. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2014; 34:N81-N86. [PMID: 25325707 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/34/4/n81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the UK, the location of an address, necessary for calculating the distance to overhead power lines in epidemiological studies, is available from different sources. We assess the accuracy of each. The grid reference specific to each address, provided by the Ordnance Survey product Address-Point, is generally accurate to a few metres, which will usually be sufficient for calculating magnetic fields from the power lines. The grid reference derived from the postcode rather than the individual address is generally accurate to tens of metres, and may be acceptable for assessing effects that vary in the general proximity of the power line, but is probably not acceptable for assessing magnetic-field effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Swanson
- National Grid, 1-3 Strand, London, WC2N 5EH, UK
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de Vocht F, Lee B. Residential proximity to electromagnetic field sources and birth weight: Minimizing residual confounding using multiple imputation and propensity score matching. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 69:51-7. [PMID: 24815339 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies have suggested that residential exposure to extremely low frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) from high voltage cables, overhead power lines, electricity substations or towers are associated with reduced birth weight and may be associated with adverse birth outcomes or even miscarriages. We previously conducted a study of 140,356 singleton live births between 2004 and 2008 in Northwest England, which suggested that close residential proximity (≤ 50 m) to ELF-EMF sources was associated with reduced average birth weight of 212 g (95%CI: -395 to -29 g) but not with statistically significant increased risks for other adverse perinatal outcomes. However, the cohort was limited by missing data for most potentially confounding variables including maternal smoking during pregnancy, which was only available for a small subgroup, while also residual confounding could not be excluded. This study, using the same cohort, was conducted to minimize the effects of these problems using multiple imputation to address missing data and propensity score matching to minimize residual confounding. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation using chained equations to generate five datasets. For each dataset 115 exposed women (residing ≤ 50 m from a residential ELF-EMF source) were propensity score matched to 1150 unexposed women. After doubly robust confounder adjustment, close proximity to a residential ELF-EMF source remained associated with a reduction in birth weight of -116 g (95% confidence interval: -224:-7 g). No effect was found for proximity ≤ 100 m compared to women living further away. These results indicate that although the effect size was about half of the effect previously reported, close maternal residential proximity to sources of ELF-EMF remained associated with suboptimal fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank de Vocht
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Institute of Population Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Brian Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 1505 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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