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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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Chen Y, Tan F, Wei L, Li X, Lyu Z, Feng X, Wen Y, Guo L, He J, Dai M, Li N. Sleep duration and the risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis including dose-response relationship. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1149. [PMID: 30463535 PMCID: PMC6249821 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of sleep duration on cancer risk remains controversial. We aimed to quantify the available evidence on this relationship using categorical and dose–response meta-analyses. Methods Population-based cohort studies and case-control studies with at least three categories of sleep duration were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library database up to July 2017. Results Sixty-five studies from 25 articles were included, involving 1,550,524 participants and 86,201 cancer cases. The categorical meta-analysis revealed that neither short nor long sleep duration was associated with increased cancer risk (short: odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.97–1.05; long: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97–1.07). Subgroup analysis revealed that short sleep duration was associated with cancer risk among Asians (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02–1.80) and long sleep duration significantly increased the risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.08–1.34). The dose–response meta-analysis showed no significant relationship between sleep duration and cancer risk. When treated as two linear piecewise functions with a cut point of 7 h, similar nonsignificant associations were found (per 1-h reduction: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.98–1.07; per 1-h increment: OR = 1.003, 95% CI = 0.97–1.03). Conclusion Categorical meta-analysis indicated that short sleep duration increased cancer risk in Asians and long sleep duration increased the risk of colorectal cancer, but these findings were not consistent in the dose–response meta-analysis. Long-term randomized controlled trials and well-designed prospective studies are needed to establish causality and to elucidate the mechanism underlying the association between sleep duration and cancer risk. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5025-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Chen
- Cancer Foundation of China, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Fengwei Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Luopei Wei
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xin Li
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhangyan Lyu
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Feng
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yan Wen
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lanwei Guo
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.,Henan Office for Cancer Control and Research, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Min Dai
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Ni Li
- Office for Cancer Early Diagnosis and Treatment, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Papantoniou K, Pozo OJ, Espinosa A, Marcos J, Castaño-Vinyals G, Basagaña X, Juanola Pagès E, Mirabent J, Martín J, Such Faro P, Gascó Aparici A, Middleton B, Skene DJ, Kogevinas M. Increased and mistimed sex hormone production in night shift workers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 24:854-63. [PMID: 25737330 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Night shift work has been associated with an increased risk for breast and prostate cancer. The effect of circadian disruption on sex steroid production is a possible underlying mechanism, underinvestigated in humans. We have assessed daily rhythms of sex hormones and melatonin in night and day shift workers of both sexes. METHODS We recruited 75 night and 42 day workers, ages 22 to 64 years, in different working settings. Participants collected urine samples from all voids over 24 hours on a working day. Urinary concentrations of 16 sex steroid hormones and metabolites (estrogens, progestagens, and androgens) and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin were measured in all samples. Mean levels and peak time of total and individual metabolite production were compared between night and day workers. RESULTS Night workers had higher levels of total progestagens [geometric mean ratio (GMR) 1.65; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.17-2.32] and androgens (GMR: 1.44; 95% CI, 1.03-2.00), compared with day workers, after adjusting for potential confounders. The increased sex hormone levels among night shift workers were not related to the observed suppression of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. Peak time of androgens was significantly later among night workers, compared with day workers (testosterone: 12:14 hours; 10:06-14:48 vs. 08:35 hours; 06:52-10:46). CONCLUSIONS We found increased levels of progestagens and androgens as well as delayed peak androgen production in night shift workers compared with day workers. IMPACT The increase and mistiming of sex hormone production may explain part of the increased risk for hormone-related cancers observed in night shift workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Papantoniou
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Marcos
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Castaño-Vinyals
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Juanola Pagès
- Deparatment d'Empresa i Ocupació de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Mirabent
- Occupational Health Service, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain. CISAL-Centre for Research in Occupational Health, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Martín
- Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Debra J Skene
- Chronobiology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain. IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain. CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain. National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
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Influence of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on the circadian system: current stage of knowledge. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:169459. [PMID: 25136557 PMCID: PMC4130204 DOI: 10.1155/2014/169459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the side effects of each electrical device work is the electromagnetic field generated near its workplace. All organisms, including humans, are exposed daily to the influence of different types of this field, characterized by various physical parameters. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the effects of an electromagnetic field on the physiological and pathological processes occurring in cells, tissues, and organs. Numerous epidemiological and experimental data suggest that the extremely low frequency magnetic field generated by electrical transmission lines and electrically powered devices and the high frequencies electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic devices have a potentially negative impact on the circadian system. On the other hand, several studies have found no influence of these fields on chronobiological parameters. According to the current state of knowledge, some previously proposed hypotheses, including one concerning the key role of melatonin secretion disruption in pathogenesis of electromagnetic field induced diseases, need to be revised. This paper reviews the data on the effect of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields on melatonin and cortisol rhythms—two major markers of the circadian system as well as on sleep. It also provides the basic information about the nature, classification, parameters, and sources of these fields.
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Touitou Y, Selmaoui B. The effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on melatonin and cortisol, two marker rhythms of the circadian system. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2013. [PMID: 23393415 PMCID: PMC3553569 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2012.14.4/ytouitou] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In the past 30 years the concern that daily exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) (1 to 300 Hz) might be harmful to human health (cancer, neurobehavioral disturbances, etc) has been the object of debate, and has become a public health concern. This has resulted in the classification of ELF-EMF into category 2B, ie, agents that are “possibly carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Since melatonin, a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, has been shown to possess oncostatic properties, a “melatonin hypothesis” has been raised, stating that exposure to EMF might decrease melatonin production and therefore might promote the development of breast cancer in humans. Data from the literature reviewed here are contradictory. In addition, we have demonstrated a lack of effect of ELF-EMF on melatonin secretion in humans exposed to EMF (up to 20 years' exposure) which rebuts the melatonin hypothesis. Currently, the debate concerns the effects of ELF-EMF on the risk of childhood leukemia in children chronically exposed to more than 0.4 μT. Further research is thus needed to obtain more definite answers regarding the potential deleterious effects of ELF-EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvan Touitou
- Chronobiology Unit, Foundation A. de Rothschild, Paris, France.
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Manzetti S, Johansson O. Global electromagnetic toxicity and frequency-induced diseases: Theory and short overview. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 19:185-91. [PMID: 22841384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The development and implementation of electricity in the modern society have facilitated the survival of mankind in the present, modern ages. However, the health consequences of introducing electricity into the society are poorly studied. Studies of artificial light and non-ionizing radiation are generally low priorities on the agenda of public health organizations, and the reported existing data indicate that there are several unanswered questions to whether humans are negatively affected in electrified environments. This article discusses the potential aspects of the impact of electricity on human health and brain function and introduces a hypothesis. The article furthermore discusses the disturbance of sleep patterns caused by electrified environments, and the increasing absence of natural stimuli to the human brain causing chronic 'digital stress' facilitating pathophysiological development. A significant need to study adverse health effects from non-ionizing radiation and synthetic luminous environments from an environmental toxicological perspective is definitely urged.
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Habash RWY, Elwood JM, Krewski D, Lotz WG, McNamee JP, Prato FS. Recent advances in research on radiofrequency fields and health: 2004-2007. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2009; 12:250-288. [PMID: 20183523 DOI: 10.1080/10937400903094125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of wireless telecommunications devices, particularly mobile phones and wireless networks, has resulted in increased human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. Although national and international agencies have established safety guidelines for exposure to RF fields, concerns remain about the potential for adverse health outcomes to occur in relation to RF field exposure. The extensive literature on RF fields and health was reviewed by a number of authorities, including the Royal Society of Canada (1999). This report is the third in a series of updates to the original report of the Royal Society of Canada, covering the period 2004-2007. In particular, the present study examined new data on (1) dosimetry and exposure assessment, (2) biological effects of RF fields such as enzyme induction, and (3) toxicological effects, including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Epidemiological studies of the potential health effects of RF exposure, particularly from mobile phones, were determined, along with human and animal studies of neurological and behavioural effects. Within the last 4 yrs investigators concluded that there is no clear evidence of adverse health effects associated with RF fields, although continued research is recommended to address specific areas of concern, including exposure to RF fields among children using mobile phones. The results of the ongoing 13-country World Health Organization INTERPHONE study of mobile phones may provide important new information on the potential cancer risks associated with mobile phone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh W Y Habash
- R. Samuel McLaughlin Center for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Public health implications of wireless technologies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 16:233-46. [PMID: 19285839 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2009.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Global exposures to emerging wireless technologies from applications including mobile phones, cordless phones, DECT phones, WI-FI, WLAN, WiMAX, wireless internet, baby monitors, and others may present serious public health consequences. Evidence supporting a public health risk is documented in the BioInitiative Report. New, biologically based public exposure standards for chronic exposure to low-intensity exposures are warranted. Existing safety standards are obsolete because they are based solely on thermal effects from acute exposures. The rapidly expanding development of new wireless technologies and the long latency for the development of such serious diseases as brain cancers means that failure to take immediate action to reduce risks may result in an epidemic of potentially fatal diseases in the future. Regardless of whether or not the associations are causal, the strengths of the associations are sufficiently strong that in the opinion of the authors, taking action to reduce exposures is imperative, especially for the fetus and children. Such action is fully compatible with the precautionary principle, as enunciated by the Rio Declaration, the European Constitution Principle on Health (Section 3.1) and the European Union Treaties Article 174.
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