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van Wel L, Huss A, Kromhout H, Momoli F, Krewski D, Langer CE, Castaño-Vinyals G, Kundi M, Maule M, Miligi L, Sadetzki S, Albert A, Alguacil J, Aragones N, Badia F, Bruchim R, Goedhart G, de Llobet P, Kiyohara K, Kojimahara N, Lacour B, Morales-Suarez-Varela M, Radon K, Remen T, Weinmann T, Vrijheid M, Cardis E, Vermeulen R. Validation of mobile phone use recall in the multinational MOBI-kids study. Bioelectromagnetics 2024. [PMID: 38778512 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Potential differential and non-differential recall error in mobile phone use (MPU) in the multinational MOBI-Kids case-control study were evaluated. We compared self-reported MPU with network operator billing record data up to 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years before the interview date from 702 subjects aged between 10 and 24 years in eight countries. Spearman rank correlations, Kappa coefficients and geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were used. No material differences in MPU recall estimates between cases and controls were observed. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between self-reported and recorded MPU in the most recent 3 months were 0.57 and 0.59 for call number and for call duration, respectively. The number of calls was on average underestimated by the participants (GMR = 0.69), while the duration of calls was overestimated (GMR = 1.59). Country, years since start of using a mobile phone, age at time of interview, and sex did not appear to influence recall accuracy for either call number or call duration. A trend in recall error was seen with level of self-reported MPU, with underestimation of use at lower levels and overestimation of use at higher levels for both number and duration of calls. Although both systematic and random errors in self-reported MPU among participants were observed, there was no evidence of differential recall error between cases and controls. Nonetheless, these sources of exposure measurement error warrant consideration in interpretation of the MOBI-Kids case-control study results on the association between children's use of mobile phones and potential brain cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Franco Momoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea E Langer
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Castaño-Vinyals
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Milena Maule
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lucia Miligi
- Unit of Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Prevention and Research Institute (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Siegal Sadetzki
- Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Alex Albert
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Salud y Medio Ambiente (CYSMA), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Nuria Aragones
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Badia
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Revital Bruchim
- Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Geertje Goedhart
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia de Llobet
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Brigitte Lacour
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors, CHU, Nancy, France
- Inserm UMR1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Maria Morales-Suarez-Varela
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Remen
- Inserm UMR1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Tobias Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abd Rabou MA, A Ali AH, El Baz KR, Alqahtani MS, Al-Otaibi AM, Alfassam HE, Ibrahim HF, Abo-Ouf AM, Aboelsoud HA, Ahmed MA, Gamil S, Ibrahim Alturaiki IM, Awadh Alanazi MM. Effect of Transplanted Bone Marrow on Spleen of Irradiated Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses. Pak J Biol Sci 2024; 27:168-181. [PMID: 38812108 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2024.168.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> Prenatal ionizing radiation exposure may hinder fetal and embryonic growth depending on the dose and gestational age. The current study's objective was to discover how bone marrow transplants affected the spleens of pregnant rats that had been subjected to γ (Gamma) radiation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sixty rats that were pregnant were separated into five different groups, each with 6 females. The pregnant rats in the second Group were exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays. Group III; pregnant rats subjected to 2Gy of γ-rays, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of newly prepared bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The fifth Group were exposed to 2Gy γ-rays and received 1 dosage of BMT an hour later. Spleen samples from the pregnant rats as well as their fetuses were taken for histological and histochemical analyses. <b>Results:</b> Gamma rays damaged the splenic tissue of women and their fetuses on days 7 or 14 of pregnancy in a variety of histological and histochemical ways, although bone marrow transplantation significantly reduced the damage. Treated mothers with bone marrow post-radiation showed a noticeable recovery in spleen of their fetuses. Improved spleen architecture was accompanied by appearance of normal content of collagen, polysaccharides and total protein in the fetal spleen tissue especially on day 7 of gestation. <b>Conclusion:</b> Bone marrow transplantation can lessen the damage caused by gamma radiation.
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Eskandani R, Zibaii MI. Unveiling the biological effects of radio-frequency and extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields on the central nervous system performance. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 14:30064. [PMID: 39104617 PMCID: PMC11298025 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.30064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) and extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have emerged as noteworthy sources of environmental pollution in the contemporary era. The potential biological impacts of RF-EMR and ELF-EMF exposure on human organs, particularly the central nervous system (CNS), have garnered considerable attention in numerous research studies. Methods This article presents a comprehensive yet summarized review of the research on the explicit/implicit effects of RF-EMR and ELF-EMF exposure on CNS performance. Results Exposure to RF-EMR can potentially exert adverse effects on the performance of CNS by inducing changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), neurotransmitter levels, calcium channel regulation, myelin protein structure, the antioxidant defense system, and metabolic processes. However, it is noteworthy that certain reports have suggested that RF-EMR exposure may confer cognitive benefits for various conditions and disorders. ELF-EMF exposure has been associated with the enhancement of CNS performance, marked by improved memory retention, enhanced learning ability, and potential mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that ELF-EMF exposure has also been linked to the induction of anxiety states, oxidative stress, and alterations in hormonal regulation. Moreover, ELF-EMR exposure alters hippocampal function, notch signaling pathways, the antioxidant defense system, and synaptic activities. Conclusion The RF-EMR and ELF-EMF exposures exhibit both beneficial and adverse effects. Nevertheless, the precise conditions and circumstances under which detrimental or beneficial effects manifest (either individually or simultaneously) remain uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Eskandani
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 19839-69411, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ismail Zibaii
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 19839-69411, Iran
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 19839-69411, Iran
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Mortazavi SA, Haghani M, Vafapour H, Ghadimi-Moghadam A, Yarbakhsh H, Eslami J, Yarbakhsh R, Zarei S, Rastegarian N, Shams SF, Darvish L, Mohammadi S. Should Parents Allow Their Children Use Smartphones and Tablets? The Issue of Screen Time for Recreational Activities. J Biomed Phys Eng 2023; 13:563-572. [PMID: 38148959 PMCID: PMC10749417 DOI: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and blue light emitted from digital screens compared to healthy adults. This paper presents the findings of a cross-sectional study conducted in Yasuj, Iran, to investigate the screen time habits of children and adolescents and its potential impact on their health. A total of 63 participants, including 44 boys and 19 girls, were randomly selected for the study. The results showed that the average daily screen time for the children was 87.38 minutes, with a standard deviation of 49.58. When examining the specific purposes of screen time, it was found that the children spent an average of 17.54 minutes per day on screens for school assignments, 70 minutes per day for recreational purposes, and 23.41 minutes per day for contacting family, friends, and relatives. Our study highlights that a significant portion of the children's screen time was allocated to recreational activities. We observed some differences in screen time between girls and boys. Boys had a slightly higher overall daily screen time, primarily driven by more recreational screen time. However, girls spent slightly more time on screens for school assignments. The screen time for social interactions was similar for both genders. Our findings on the cognitive performance of children with different levels of screen time will be published in a separate paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoud Haghani
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Vafapour
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Helia Yarbakhsh
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran
| | - Jamshid Eslami
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Yarbakhsh
- Department of Computer Engineering, Sharif University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Zarei
- Student Research Committee, School of Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rastegarian
- Department of Speech Pathology, School of Rehabilitation, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Fateme Shams
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Valiasr Hospital, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Leili Darvish
- MVLS College, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Sahar Mohammadi
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Wu H, Min D, Sun B, Ma Y, Chen H, Wu J, Ren P, Wu J, Cao Y, Zhao B, Wang P. Effect of WiFi signal exposure in utero and early life on neurodevelopment and behaviors of rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:95892-95900. [PMID: 37561300 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the long-term effects of prenatal and early-life WIFI signal exposure on neurodevelopment and behaviors as well as biochemical alterations of Wistar rats. On the first day of pregnancy (E0), expectant rats were allocated into two groups: the control group (n = 12) and the WiFi-exposed group (WiFi group, n = 12). WiFi group was exposed to turn on WiFi for 24 h/day from E0 to postnatal day (PND) 42. The control group was exposed to turn-off WiFi at the same time. On PND7-42, we evaluated the development and behavior of the offspring, including body weight, pain threshold, and swimming ability, spatial learning, and memory among others. Also, levels of proteins involved in apoptosis were analyzed histologically in the hippocampus in response to oxidative stress. The results showed that WiFi signal exposure in utero and early life (1) increased the body weight of WiFi + M (WiFi + male) group; (2) no change in neuro-behavioral development was observed in WiFi group; (3) increased learning and memory function in WiFi + M group; (4) enhanced comparative levels of BDNF and p-CREB proteins in the hippocampus of WiFi + M group; (5) no neuronal loss or degeneration was detected, and neuronal numbers in hippocampal CA1 were no evidently differences in each group; (6) no change in the apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-3 and Bax) levels; and (7) no difference in GSH-PX and SOD activities in the hippocampus. Prenatal WiFi exposure has no effects on hippocampal CA1 neurons, oxidative equilibrium in brain, and neurodevelopment of rats. Some effects of prenatal WiFi exposure are sex dependent. Prenatal WiFi exposure increased the body weight, improved the spatial memory and learning function, and induced behavioral hyperactivity of male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Wu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Dongyu Min
- The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Buxun Sun
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, No. 39 Xinyang Road, Gaoxin District, DaqingDaqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yifan Ma
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, No. 39 Xinyang Road, Gaoxin District, DaqingDaqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongpeng Chen
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, No. 39 Xinyang Road, Gaoxin District, DaqingDaqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Ping Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Jiabi Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Yonggang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Baoshan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, No. 39 Xinyang Road, Gaoxin District, DaqingDaqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China.
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Eeftens M, Shen C, Sönksen J, Schmutz C, van Wel L, Liorni I, Vermeulen R, Cardis E, Wiart J, Toledano M, Röösli M. Modelling of daily radiofrequency electromagnetic field dose for a prospective adolescent cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107737. [PMID: 36709672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields originate from a variety of wireless communication sources operating near and far from the body, making it challenging to quantify daily absorbed dose. In the framework of the prospective cohort SCAMP (Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones), we aimed to characterize RF-EMF dose over a 2-year period. METHODS The SCAMP cohort included 6605 children from greater London, UK at baseline (age 12.1 years; 2014-2016) and 5194 at follow-up (age 14.2; 2016-2018). We estimated the daily dose of RF-EMF to eight tissues including the whole body and whole brain, using dosimetric algorithms for the specific absorption rate transfer into the body. We considered RF-EMF dose from 12 common usage scenarios such as mobile phone calls or data transmission. We evaluated the association between sociodemographic factors (gender, ethnicity, phone ownership and socio-economic status), and the dose change between baseline and follow-up. RESULTS Whole body dose was estimated at an average of 170 mJ/kg/day at baseline and 178 mJ/kg/day at follow-up. Among the eight tissues considered, the right temporal lobe received the highest daily dose (baseline 1150 mJ/kg/day, follow-up 1520 mJ/kg/day). Estimated daily dose [mJ/kg/day] increased between baseline and follow-up for head and brain related tissues, but remained stable for the whole body and heart. Doses estimated at baseline and follow-up showed low correlation among the 3384 children who completed both assessments. Asian ethnicity (compared to white) and owning a bar phone or no phone (as opposed to a smartphone) were associated with lower estimated whole-body and whole-brain RF-EMF dose, while black ethnicity, a moderate/low socio-economic status (compared to high), and increasing age (at baseline) were associated with higher estimated RF-EMF dose. CONCLUSION This study describes the first longitudinal exposure assessment for children in a critical period of development. Dose estimations will be used in further epidemiological analyses for the SCAMP study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Chen Shen
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Jana Sönksen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Schmutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Liorni
- Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS Foundation), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joe Wiart
- Chair C2M, LTCI Télecom ParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 46 rue Barrault, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mireille Toledano
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Nguyen A, Crespi CM, Vergara X, Kheifets L. Commercial outdoor plant nurseries as a confounder for electromagnetic fields and childhood leukemia risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113446. [PMID: 35550811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Close residential proximity to powerlines and high magnetic fields exposure may be associated with elevated childhood leukemia risks as reported by prior studies and pooled analyses. Magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines is associated with proximity to these powerlines and consequently with any factor varying with distance. Areas underneath powerlines in California may be sites for commercial plant nurseries that can use pesticides, a potential childhood leukemia risk factor. OBJECTIVES Assess if potential pesticide exposure from commercial plant nurseries is a confounder or interacts with proximity or magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines to increase childhood leukemia risk. METHODS A comprehensive childhood leukemia record-based case-control study with 5788 cases and 5788 controls (born and diagnosed in California, 1986-2008) was conducted. Pesticide, powerline, and magnetic field exposure assessment utilized models that incorporated geographical information systems, aerial satellite images, site visits and other historical information. RESULTS The relationship for calculated fields with childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-3.23) slightly attenuated when controlling for nursery proximity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.65-3.16) or restricting analysis to subjects living far (>300 m) from nurseries (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.79-2.60). A similar association pattern was observed between distance to high-voltage powerlines and childhood leukemia. The association between nursery proximity and childhood leukemia was unchanged or only slightly attenuated when controlling for calculated fields or powerline distance; ORs remained above 2 when excluding subjects with high calculated fields or close powerline proximity (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.82-5.67 and OR 2.15, 95% CI 0.82-5.64, respectively). The observed relationships were robust to different time periods, reference categories, and cut points. DISCUSSION Close residential proximity to nurseries is suggested as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Our results do not support plant nurseries as an explanation for observed childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure, although small numbers of subjects concurrently exposed to high magnetic fields, close powerline proximity and plant nurseries limited our ability to fully assess potential confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - C M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - X Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - L Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
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Schmutz C, Bürgler A, Ashta N, Soenksen J, Bou Karim Y, Shen C, Smith RB, Jenkins RH, Mireku MO, Mutz J, Maes MJA, Hirst R, Chang I, Fleming C, Mussa A, Kesary D, Addison D, Maslanyj M, Toledano MB, Röösli M, Eeftens M. Personal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure of adolescents in the Greater London area in the SCAMP cohort and the association with restrictions on permitted use of mobile communication technologies at school and at home. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113252. [PMID: 35421393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Personal measurements of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been used in several studies to characterise personal exposure in daily life, but such data are limitedly available for adolescents, and not yet for the United Kingdom (UK). In this study, we aimed to characterise personal exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents and to study the association between exposure and rules applied at school and at home to restrict wireless communication use, likely implemented to reduce other effects of mobile technology (e.g. distraction). We measured exposure to RF-EMF for 16 common frequency bands (87.5 MHz-3.5 GHz), using portable measurement devices (ExpoM-RF), in a subsample of adolescents participating in the cohort Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP) from Greater London (UK) (n = 188). School and home rules were assessed by questionnaire and concerned the school's availability of WiFi and mobile phone policy, and parental restrictions on permitted mobile phone use. Adolescents recorded their activities in real time using a diary app on a study smartphone, while characterizing their personal RF-EMF exposure in daily life, during different activities and times of the day. Data analysis was done for 148 adolescents from 29 schools who recorded RF-EMF data for a median duration of 47 h. The majority (74%) of adolescents spent part of their time at school during the measurement period. Median total RF-EMF exposure was 40 μW/m2 at home, 94 μW/m2 at school, and 100 μW/m2 overall. In general, restrictions at school or at home made little difference for adolescents' measured exposure to RF-EMF, except for uplink exposure from mobile phones while at school, which was found to be significantly lower for adolescents attending schools not permitting phone use at all, compared to adolescents attending schools allowing mobile phone use during breaks. This difference was not statistically significant for total personal exposure. Total exposure to RF-EMF in adolescents living in Greater London tended to be higher compared to exposure levels reported in other European countries. This study suggests that school policies and parental restrictions are not associated with a lower RF-EMF exposure in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schmutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Bürgler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Narain Ashta
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jana Soenksen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Bou Karim
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Chen Shen
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel B Smith
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary H Jenkins
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Public Health Policy Evaluation Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Campus, The Reynolds Building, St Dunstan's Road, London, W6 8RP, United Kingdom
| | - Michael O Mireku
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; University of Lincoln, School of Psychology, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Mutz
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Mikaël J A Maes
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Department of Geography, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Rosi Hirst
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Chang
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Fleming
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Aamirah Mussa
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Daphna Kesary
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Addison
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Centre for Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards, Harwell Campus, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Myron Maslanyj
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Centre for Chemical, Radiation and Environmental Hazards, Harwell Campus, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health & Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, in partnership with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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9
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A biologically-inspired hybrid deep learning approach for brain tumor classification from magnetic resonance imaging using improved gabor wavelet transform and Elmann-BiLSTM network. Biomed Signal Process Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2022.103949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Seomun G, Ban S, Park J. Identifying the knowledge structure of electromagnetic fields and health research: Text network analysis and topic modeling. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273005. [PMID: 35976897 PMCID: PMC9384997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With technological and scientific advancement, people are being increasingly exposed to electromagnetic fields, particularly from portable devices such as mobile phones. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the health effects of electromagnetic field exposure, despite the large amount of research conducted on this topic. This study aimed to understand the knowledge structure and trend of electromagnetic field and health research through text network analysis and topic modeling. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched, and 3,880 articles published before June 2021 were identified. We explored the main keywords and research topics regarding electromagnetic fields and human health by constructing a network of keywords. A social network analysis program was used to analyze the data, visualize the network, and perform topic modeling. Results Four keywords, “exposure,” “effect,” “cell,” and “cancer,” were highly correlated to other keywords and formed each colony in the knowledge structure of research on electromagnetic fields and health. Five topics were derived from topic modeling: cell research, research on the adaption of MRI, health effects of mobile phones, pain therapy, and exposure measurement. Cell research has been continuously performed, and many studies have been conducted on the health effects of mobile phones since 2000. Conclusions These findings will assist in gaining insights into and understanding changes in research on the health effects of electromagnetic fields, and suggest important areas and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- GyeongAe Seomun
- College of Nursing, Korea University, BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health, Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Ban
- College of Nursing, Korea University, BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health, Systems, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinkyung Park
- College of Nursing, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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11
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Sserwanja Q, Sepenu AS, Mwamba D, Mukunya D. Access to mass media and teenage pregnancy among adolescents in Zambia: a national cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e052684. [PMID: 35701065 PMCID: PMC9198694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Teenage pregnancies and childbirths are associated with negative health outcomes. Access to health information enables adolescents to make appropriate decisions. However, the relationship between access to health information through mass media and teenage pregnancy has not received much attention in existing literature. We therefore examined the association between access to mass media and teenage pregnancy in Zambia. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Zambia. PARTICIPANTS Weighted sample of 3000 adolescents aged 15-19 years. OUTCOME MEASURE Teenage pregnancy that included adolescents who were currently pregnant or had had an abortion or had given birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey. RESULTS Out of 3000 adolescents, 897 (29.9%, 95% CI: 28.1% to 31.3%) were pregnant or had ever been pregnant. Majority of the adolescents resided in rural areas (55.9%) and had secondary education (53.6%). Adolescents who had exposure to internet, newspapers or magazines, radio and television were 10.5%, 22.6%, 43.1% and 43.1%, respectively. Adolescents who had daily access to newspapers or magazines (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.82) or using internet (AOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.95) were less likely to be pregnant or to have had a pregnancy compared with those with no access to newspapers and internet, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that internet use and reading of newspapers or magazines may trigger behavioural change as an effective approach to reducing teenage pregnancy. Behavioural change communicators can implement mass media campaigns using newspapers, magazines and the internet to publicise adolescent health messages that can encourage adolescents to adopt healthy behaviours and prevent teenage pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Mwamba
- Programs Department, Center for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - David Mukunya
- Department of Public Health, Busitema University, Tororo, Uganda
- Research Department, Sanyu Africa Research Institute, Mbale, Uganda
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12
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Pride and prejudice and zombies…and statistics: Effects of powerful female role-models in media on attitudes towards women, and female viewer anxiety. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00605-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Tang F, Giaccone L, Hao J, Freschi F, Wu T, Crozier S, Liu F. Exposure of Infants to Gradient Fields in a Baby MRI Scanner. Bioelectromagnetics 2022; 43:69-80. [PMID: 35005795 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infants are exposed to rapid, time-varying gradient magnetic fields, leading to electric fields induced in the body of infants and potential safety risks (e.g. peripheral nerve stimulation). In this numerical study, the in situ electric fields in infants induced by small-sized gradient coils for a 1.5 T MRI scanner were evaluated. The gradient coil set was specially designed for the efficient imaging of infants within a small-bore (baby) scanner. The magnetic flux density and induced electric fields by the small x, y, z gradient coils in an infant model (8-week-old with a mass of 4.3 kg) were computed using the scalar potential finite differences method. The gradient coils were driven by a 1 kHz sinusoidal waveform and also a trapezoidal waveform with a 250 µs rise time. The model was placed at different scan positions, including the head area (position I), chest area (position II), and body center (position III). It was found that the induced electric fields in most tissues exceeded the basic restrictions of the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines for both waveforms. The electric fields were similar in the region of interest for all coil types and model positions but different outside the imaging region. The y-coil induced larger electric fields compared with the x- and z- coils. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Tang
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luca Giaccone
- Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Jiahao Hao
- College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University, China
| | - Fabio Freschi
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Department of Energy, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Tongning Wu
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Stuart Crozier
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Protection against the electromagnetic fields around high-voltage transmission lines is an issue of great importance, especially in the case of buildings near power lines. Indeed, the developed fields can be harmful for the habitants and electrical/electronic devices, so the implementation of appropriate measures to address the above electromagnetic interference issue is necessary in order to ensure the safety of both human beings and equipment. Several practices have been proposed to reduce the electric and the magnetic fields around overhead and underground transmission lines (minimum distance, shielded cables, anechoic chamber etc.). In this context, the scope of the current paper is the use of highly permeable magnetic sheets for shielding purposes, along with the development of an appropriate procedure, based on finite element analysis (FEA) for the efficient design of passive shielding. The simulation results are compared with laboratory measurements in order to confirm the adequacy of the proposed methodology. The good agreement between the FEA outcomes and the experimental results confirms that the developed FEA tool can be trustfully used for the design of the shielding means in the case of overhead or underground power lines.
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15
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Belpomme D, Carlo GL, Irigaray P, Carpenter DO, Hardell L, Kundi M, Belyaev I, Havas M, Adlkofer F, Heuser G, Miller AB, Caccamo D, De Luca C, von Klitzing L, Pall ML, Bandara P, Stein Y, Sage C, Soffritti M, Davis D, Moskowitz JM, Mortazavi SMJ, Herbert MR, Moshammer H, Ledoigt G, Turner R, Tweedale A, Muñoz-Calero P, Udasin I, Koppel T, Burgio E, Vorst AV. The Critical Importance of Molecular Biomarkers and Imaging in the Study of Electrohypersensitivity. A Scientific Consensus International Report. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7321. [PMID: 34298941 PMCID: PMC8304862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical research aiming at objectively identifying and characterizing diseases via clinical observations and biological and radiological findings is a critical initial research step when establishing objective diagnostic criteria and treatments. Failure to first define such diagnostic criteria may lead research on pathogenesis and etiology to serious confounding biases and erroneous medical interpretations. This is particularly the case for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and more particularly for the so-called "provocation tests", which do not investigate the causal origin of EHS but rather the EHS-associated particular environmental intolerance state with hypersensitivity to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMF). However, because those tests depend on multiple EMF-associated physical and biological parameters and have been conducted in patients without having first defined EHS objectively and/or endpoints adequately, they cannot presently be considered to be valid pathogenesis research methodologies. Consequently, the negative results obtained by these tests do not preclude a role of EMF exposure as a symptomatic trigger in EHS patients. Moreover, there is no proof that EHS symptoms or EHS itself are caused by psychosomatic or nocebo effects. This international consensus report pleads for the acknowledgement of EHS as a distinct neuropathological disorder and for its inclusion in the WHO International Classification of Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - George L. Carlo
- The Science and Public Policy Institute, Washington, DC 20006, USA;
| | - Philippe Irigaray
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - David O. Carpenter
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Lennart Hardell
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
| | - Igor Belyaev
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Science, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magda Havas
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 0G2, Canada
| | - Franz Adlkofer
- Verum-Foundation for Behaviour and Environment c/o Regus Center Josephspitalstrasse 15/IV, 80331 München, Germany;
| | - Gunnar Heuser
- Formerly UCLA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, P.O. Box 5066, El Dorado Hills, Los Angeles, CA 95762, USA;
| | - Anthony B. Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho Functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Registration & Quality Management, Medical & Regulatory Affairs Manager, MEDENA AG, 8910 Affoltern am Albis, Switzerland;
| | - Lebrecht von Klitzing
- Medical Physicist, Institute of Environmental and Medical Physic, D-36466 Wiesenthal, Germany;
| | - Martin L. Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Priyanka Bandara
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association (ORSAA), P.O. Box 152, Scarborough, QLD 4020, Australia;
| | - Yael Stein
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel;
- Hadassah Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Cindy Sage
- Sage Associates, Montecito, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA;
| | - Morando Soffritti
- Istituto Ramazzini, via Libia 13/A, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Collegium Ramazzini, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto, 3, 40010 Bentivoglio, Italy
| | - Devra Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, P.O. Box 58, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA;
| | - Joel M. Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - S. M. J. Mortazavi
- Medical Physics and Medical Engineering Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran;
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Martha R. Herbert
- A.A. Martinos Centre for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, MGH/MIT/Harvard 149 Thirteenth Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
- Department of Hygiene, Karakalpak Medical University, Nukus 230100, Uzbekistan
| | - Gerard Ledoigt
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Robert Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Anthony Tweedale
- Rebutting Industry Science with Knowledge (R.I.S.K.) Consultancy, Blv. Edmond Machtens 101/34, B-1080 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Pilar Muñoz-Calero
- Foundation Alborada, Finca el Olivar, Carretera M-600, Km. 32,400, 28690 Brunete, Spain;
| | - Iris Udasin
- EOHSI Clinical Center, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- AI Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - André Vander Vorst
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- European Microwave Association, Rue Louis de Geer 6, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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16
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Shabani Z, Mohammad Nejad D, Ghadiri T, Karimipour M. Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of Vitamin E on the rat substantia nigra neural cells exposed to electromagnetic field: An ultrastructural study. Electromagn Biol Med 2021; 40:428-437. [PMID: 33794719 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2021.1907404] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could induce oxidative stress (OS) in human tissues. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is the main hallmark of OS that harms neural cell components, primarily lipids in the myelin sheaths and membranes. Vitamin E is a lipophilic antioxidant that protects cells from OS-related damages and inhibits the LPO process. In this study, male rats were assigned into three groups of Control, EMF, and EMF+ Vitamin E. The EMF producer equipment produced an alternate current of 50 Hz, 3 Mili Tesla (mT). At the end of the experiment, half of the substantia nigra in every sample was used for measurement of the malondialdehyde (MDA) level as the end-product of the LPO and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme. The next half of the tissue was prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the EMF group, MDA level was enhanced and SOD value decreased significantly compared to the control group, but Vitamin E could restore these changes. In rats undergone EMF, heterochromatic nucleus and destruction in some portions of the nuclear membrane were detected. The segmental separation or destruction of myelin sheath lamellae was observed in nerve fibers. In treated animals, the nucleus was round, less heterochromatic, with a regular membrane. Separation of myelin sheath lamellae in some nerve fibers was slighter than the radiation group. Considering the results, EMF exposure induces LPO and triggers ultrastructural changes in the cell membranes, nucleus, and myelin sheath of substantia nigra cells, but Vitamin E consumption weakens these neuropathological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shabani
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Daryoush Mohammad Nejad
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Ghadiri
- Department of Neurosciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Neurosciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Birks LE, van Wel L, Liorni I, Pierotti L, Guxens M, Huss A, Foerster M, Capstick M, Eeftens M, El Marroun H, Estarlich M, Gallastegi M, Safont LG, Joseph W, Santa-Marina L, Thielens A, Torrent M, Vrijkotte T, Wiart J, Röösli M, Cardis E, Vermeulen R, Vrijheid M. Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile communication: Description of modeled dose in brain regions and the body in European children and adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110505. [PMID: 33245886 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) from mobile technology and resulting dose in young people. We describe modeled integrated RF dose in European children and adolescents combining own mobile device use and surrounding sources. METHODS Using an integrated RF model, we estimated the daily RF dose in the brain (whole-brain, cerebellum, frontal lobe, midbrain, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobes) and the whole-body in 8358 children (ages 8-12) and adolescents (ages 14-18) from the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland during 2012-2016. The integrated model estimated RF dose from near-field sources (digital enhanced communication technology (DECT) phone, mobile phone, tablet, and laptop) and far-field sources (mobile phone base stations via 3D-radiowave modeling or RF measurements). RESULTS Adolescents were more frequent mobile phone users and experienced higher modeled RF doses in the whole-brain (median 330.4 mJ/kg/day) compared to children (median 81.8 mJ/kg/day). Children spent more time using tablets or laptops compared to adolescents, resulting in higher RF doses in the whole-body (median whole-body dose of 81.8 mJ/kg/day) compared to adolescents (41.9 mJ/kg/day). Among brain regions, temporal lobes received the highest RF dose (medians of 274.9 and 1786.5 mJ/kg/day in children and adolescents, respectively) followed by the frontal lobe. In most children and adolescents, calling on 2G networks was the main contributor to RF dose in the whole-brain (medians of 31.1 and 273.7 mJ/kg/day, respectively). CONCLUSION This first large study of RF dose to the brain and body of children and adolescents shows that mobile phone calls on 2G networks are the main determinants of brain dose, especially in temporal and frontal lobes, whereas whole-body doses were mostly determined by tablet and laptop use. The modeling of RF doses provides valuable input to epidemiological research and to potential risk management regarding RF exposure in young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Liorni
- Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Livia Pierotti
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Milena Foerster
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Myles Capstick
- Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies - Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Spain
| | - Mara Gallastegi
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Llúcia González Safont
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Technologiepark 126, Ghent, 9052, Belgium
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian, Spain; Department of Health of the Basque Government, Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Technologiepark 126, Ghent, 9052, Belgium
| | - Maties Torrent
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tanja Vrijkotte
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joe Wiart
- Télécom ParisTech, LTCI University Paris Saclay, Chair C2M, Paris, France
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Acharya SR, Shin YC, Moon DH, Pahari S. Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Kindergarten Children: Responsive Health Risk Concern. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:694407. [PMID: 34291019 PMCID: PMC8288246 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.694407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term exposure to physical agents can be detrimental to children due to their vulnerability. This study aimed to assess and compare the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure level around the kindergartens from the underground transmission line (UGTL). We investigated randomly selected 24 kindergartens based on the location of the UGTL. The EMF emission levels were measured using an EMDEX II (Electric and Magnetic Digital Exposure Meter). The maximum mean value of the EMF emission level was 13.5 mG around the kindergartens and 17.7 mG from the point of UGTL to kindergartens. EMF emission level around the kindergartens was significantly associated with the location of the UGTL (t = -7.35, P < 0.001). These estimates are not trivial, as long-term exposure to EMF among kindergarten children can lead to different health problems. Routine monitoring of EMF emission levels is recommended including the awareness of EMF exposure to public citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Raj Acharya
- Graduate School of Public Health, Busan Medical Campus, Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yong Chul Shin
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Deog Hwan Moon
- Graduate School of Public Health, Busan Medical Campus, Inje University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Sandip Pahari
- Department of Public Health, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
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19
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Wang J, Li M, Zhu D, Cao Y. Smartphone Overuse and Visual Impairment in Children and Young Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e21923. [PMID: 33289673 PMCID: PMC7755532 DOI: 10.2196/21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smartphone overuse has been cited as a potentially modifiable risk factor that can result in visual impairment. However, reported associations between smartphone overuse and visual impairment have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to determine the association between smartphone overuse and visual impairment, including myopia, blurred vision, and poor vision, in children and young adults. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, and ScienceDirect databases since the beginning of the databases up to June 2020. Fourteen eligible studies (10 cross-sectional studies and 4 controlled trials) were identified, which included a total of 27,110 subjects with a mean age ranging from 9.5 to 26.0 years. We used a random-effects model for meta-analysis of the 10 cross-sectional studies (26,962 subjects) and a fixed-effects model for meta-analysis of the 4 controlled trials (148 subjects) to combine odds ratios (ORs) and effect sizes (ES). The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS A pooled OR of 1.05 (95% CI 0.98-1.13, P=.16) was obtained from the cross-sectional studies, suggesting that smartphone overuse is not significantly associated with myopia, poor vision, or blurred vision; however, these visual impairments together were more apparent in children (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99-1.14, P=.09) than in young adults (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.57-1.46,P=.71). For the 4 controlled trials, the smartphone overuse groups showed worse visual function scores compared with the reduced-use groups. The pooled ES was 0.76 (95% CI 0.53-0.99), which was statistically significant (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Longer smartphone use may increase the likelihood of ocular symptoms, including myopia, asthenopia, and ocular surface disease, especially in children. Thus, regulating use time and restricting the prolonged use of smartphones may prevent ocular and visual symptoms. Further research on the patterns of use, with longer follow up on the longitudinal associations, will help to inform detailed guidelines and recommendations for smartphone use in children and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Li
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Daqiao Zhu
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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20
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Cabré-Riera A, van Wel L, Liorni I, Thielens A, Birks LE, Pierotti L, Joseph W, González-Safont L, Ibarluzea J, Ferrero A, Huss A, Wiart J, Santa-Marina L, Torrent M, Vrijkotte T, Capstick M, Vermeulen R, Vrijheid M, Cardis E, Röösli M, Guxens M. Association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields dose and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 231:113659. [PMID: 33221634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) dose, using an improved integrated RF-EMF exposure model, and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis in preadolescents aged 9-11 years and adolescents aged 17-18 years from the Dutch Amsterdam Born Children and their Development Study (n = 1664 preadolescents) and the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project (n = 1288 preadolescents and n = 261 adolescents), two population-based birth cohort studies. Overall whole-brain RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day) were estimated for several RF-EMF sources together including mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications phone calls (named phone calls), other mobile phone uses than calling, tablet use, laptop use (named screen activities), and far-field sources. We also estimated whole-brain RF-EMF doses in these three groups separately (i.e. phone calls, screen activities, and far-field) that lead to different patterns of RF-EMF exposure. We assessed non-verbal intelligence in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents, information processing speed, attentional function, and cognitive flexibility in the Spanish preadolescents, and working memory and semantic fluency in the Spanish preadolescents and adolescents using validated neurocognitive tests. RESULTS Estimated overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was 90.1 mJ/kg/day (interquartile range (IQR) 42.7; 164.0) in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents and 105.1 mJ/kg/day (IQR 51.0; 295.7) in the Spanish adolescents. Higher overall estimated whole-brain RF-EMF doses from all RF-EMF sources together and from phone calls were associated with lower non-verbal intelligence score in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents (-0.10 points, 95% CI -0.19; -0.02 per 100 mJ/kg/day increase in each exposure). However, none of the whole-brain RF-EMF doses was related to any other cognitive function outcome in the Spanish preadolescents or adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that higher brain exposure to RF-EMF is related to lower non-verbal intelligence but not to other cognitive function outcomes. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, the small effect sizes, and the unknown biological mechanisms, we cannot discard that our resultsare due to chance finding or reverse causality. Longitudinal studies on RF-EMF brain exposure and cognitive function are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cabré-Riera
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Liorni
- IT'IS Foundation, Zeughausstrasse 43, CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Technologiepark 126, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Livia Pierotti
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Technologiepark 126, 9052, Gent, Belgium
| | - Llúcia González-Safont
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Avinguda de Cataluya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Health, Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Avenida de Navarra 4, 20013, San Sebastian, Spain; Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Berio Pasealekua, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Amparo Ferrero
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Avinguda de Cataluya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joe Wiart
- LTCI, Telecom Paris, Chaire C2M France, 19 Place Marguerite Perey, 91120, Palaiseau, France
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Health, Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Avenida de Navarra 4, 20013, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maties Torrent
- ib-Salut, Area de Salud de Menorca, Carrer Sant Josep 5, 07720, Santa Ana, Spain
| | - Tanja Vrijkotte
- Department of Public and Occipational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Myles Capstick
- IT'IS Foundation, Zeughausstrasse 43, CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Röösli
- Departement of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Dr. Molenwaterplein 50, 3015GE, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Binboğa E, Tok S, Munzuroğlu M. The Short-Term Effect of Occupational Levels of 50 Hz Electromagnetic Field on Human Heart Rate Variability. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 42:60-75. [PMID: 33211349 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that there is no consensus on the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic (ELF-EMF) exposure on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to explore the short-term effect of ELF-EMF exposure on heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV). The sample consisted of 34 healthy males aged 18-27 years. The participants were randomly assigned to the EMF (n = 17) or the Sham group (n = 17). We employed a double-blind repeated-measures design consisting of three 5 min experimental periods. The chest region of each individual in the EMF group was exposed to 50 Hz, 28 μT, linear polarized, continuous EMF during the EMF exposure period. HR and HRV data were recorded continuously by using a photoplethysmography sensor. Within-subject statistical analysis indicated a significant HR deceleration in both the EMF and Sham groups. However, the standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), low-frequency (LF), and high-frequency (HF) powers increased only in the EMF group and remained stable in the Sham group. We also compared the same HRV indices measured during the EMF and Sham periods between the two experimental groups. The between-subject analysis results demonstrated significantly higher SDNN, RMSSD, LF, and HF values in the EMF group than in the Sham group. The LF/HF ratio did not change significantly within and between groups. On the basis of these results, we concluded that short-term exposure of the chest region to ELF-EMF could potentially enhance parasympathetic predominance during the resting condition. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:60-75. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Binboğa
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serdar Tok
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Munzuroğlu
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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22
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Abstract
In today's world, most children are exposed to various manmade electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are electromagnetic waves less than 300 GHz. A developing child's brain is vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation; thus, their caregivers' concerns about the health effects of EMFs are increasing. EMF exposure is divided into 2 categories: extremely low frequencies (ELFs; 3-3,000 Hz), involving high-voltage transmission lines and in-house wiring; and radiofrequencies (RFs; 30 kHz to 300 GHz), involving mobile phones, smart devices, base stations, WiFi, and 5G technologies. The biological effects of EMFs on humans include stimulation, thermal, and nonthermal, the latter of which is the least known. Among the various health issues related to EMFs, the most important issue is human carcinogenicity. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC's) evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, ELFs and RFs were evaluated as possible human carcinogens (Group 2B). However, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) view of EMFs remains undetermined. This article reviews the current knowledge of EMF exposure on humans, specifically children. EMF exposure sources, biological effects, current WHO and IARC opinions on carcinogenicity, and effects of EMF exposures on children will be discussed. As well-controlled EMF experiments in children are nearly impossible, scientific knowledge should be interpreted objectively. Precautionary approaches are recommended for children until the potential health effects of EMF are confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hwa Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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23
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Cabré-Riera A, Marroun HE, Muetzel R, van Wel L, Liorni I, Thielens A, Birks LE, Pierotti L, Huss A, Joseph W, Wiart J, Capstick M, Hillegers M, Vermeulen R, Cardis E, Vrijheid M, White T, Röösli M, Tiemeier H, Guxens M. Estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields doses and brain volumes in preadolescents. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105808. [PMID: 32554140 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) doses, using an improved integrated RF-EMF exposure model, and brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis in preadolescents aged 9-12 years from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort set up in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (n = 2592). An integrated exposure model was used to estimate whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day) from different RF-EMF sources including mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) phone calls, other mobile phone uses than calling, tablet use, laptop use, and far-field sources. Whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses were estimated for all RF-EMF sources together (i.e. overall) and for three groups of RF-EMF sources that lead to a different pattern of RF-EMF exposure. Information on brain volumes was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging scans. RESULTS Estimated overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was 84.3 mJ/kg/day. The highest overall lobe-specific dose was estimated in the temporal lobe (307.1 mJ/kg/day). Whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses from all RF-EMF sources together, from mobile and DECT phone calls, and from far-field sources were not associated with global, cortical, or subcortical brain volumes. However, a higher whole-brain RF-EMF dose from mobile phone use for internet browsing, e-mailing, and text messaging, tablet use, and laptop use while wirelessly connected to the internet was associated with a smaller caudate volume. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses were not related to brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old. Screen activities with mobile communication devices while wirelessly connected to the internet lead to low RF-EMF dose to the brain and our observed association may thus rather reflect effects of social or individual factors related to these specific uses of mobile communication devices. However, we cannot discard residual confounding, chance finding, or reverse causality. Further studies on mobile communication devices and their potential negative associations with brain development are warranted, regardless whether associations are due to RF-EMF exposure or to other factors related to their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cabré-Riera
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - Ryan Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, Ghent University/IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joe Wiart
- LTCI, Telecom Paris, Chaire C2M, France
| | | | - Manon Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Kinder Neuroimaging Centrum Rotterdam (KNICR), Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Röösli
- Departement of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands.
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Park J, Jeong E, Seomun G. Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Measurement during Lessons in Elementary Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5284. [PMID: 32707979 PMCID: PMC7432945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schools are an important place for children's exposure to electromagnetic fields, which may cause adverse health effects. To better understand environmental extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) exposure among elementary school students, we measured numeric values of ELF-MFs in five classrooms at four schools during digital learning class hours. The measurement of ELF-MFs was taken with an EMDEX II field analyzer. Specifically, we examined the level of exposure to ELF-MFs for each student's seating position in the classroom. The results showed that ELF-MFs exposure levels were lower than those in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines; however, there were significant differences in the level of magnetic field exposure at each school and at each student's seat. The exposure to ELF-MFs at students' seat positions was mostly caused by electrical appliances, electronic wiring, and distribution boxes, but the exposure level decreased as the distance increased. Therefore, it is important to design safe and appropriate environments for digital learning in schools, such as proper seating arrangements, to avoid ELF-MFs exposure to students as much as possible. Future studies should measure ELF-MFs levels in other areas and investigate the effects of exposure to ELF-MFs during school hours on children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - GyeongAe Seomun
- College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (J.P.); (E.J.)
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25
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Shokoohi-Rad S, Ansari MR, Sabzi F, Saffari R, Rajaei P, Karimi F. Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Changes Due to Exposure to Mobile Phone Electromagnetics Radiations in Normal and Glaucoma Eye. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2020; 27:10-13. [PMID: 32549718 PMCID: PMC7276173 DOI: 10.4103/meajo.meajo_20_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of electromagnetic waves (EMWs) emitted by a mobile phone on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eyeball. METHODS This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 166 eyes from 83 individuals in the 40-70 age range who referred to "Khatam-al-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad, Iran" in 2016. There were two groups of participants, and the first one consisted of 41 participants who had normal eyes, whereas the second one comprised 42 participants who suffered from open-angle glaucoma disease. The IOP in both groups was measured and recorded by a specialist before and after talking 5 min on the cellphone with the help of the Goldman method. Statistical analysis such as paired t-test and analysis of variance was performed and all tests are statistically significant at (P < 0.05). For this purpose, the SPSS software (version 16) was applied. RESULTS IOP in the glaucoma eye (42 eyes) ipsilateral to mobile phone before and after the intervention was 18.64 ± 6.7 and 23.53 ± 6.3, respectively (P < 0.001). However, IOP in the control group (41 eyes) ipsilateral to mobile phone before and after the intervention was 12.95 ± 3.5 and 13.39 ± 2.8, respectively (P = 0.063). IOP change in the opposite glaucomatous eye to mobile phone in glaucoma group (39 eyes) and normal group (44 eyes) was not significantly different before and after the phone call (P = 0.065 and P = 0.85, respectively). CONCLUSION We found that the acute effects of EMWs emitted from the mobile phones can significantly increase the IOP in glaucoma eye, while such changes were not observed in normal eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shokoohi-Rad
- Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Sabzi
- Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Rahim Saffari
- Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parisa Rajaei
- Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshid Karimi
- Department of Optometry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Cellular Phone User's Age or the Duration of Calls Moderate Autonomic Nervous System? A Meta-Analysis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32468564 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32622-7_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Health Risk Assessment Network on Electromagnetic Fields Exposure (EFHRAN) reported in 2012: "Children and adolescents represent the first generation of Europeans to be exposed to diffuse EMF since their conception and birth, thus, they are expected to be more sensitive to these fields." On the other hand, the body's physiologic processes are regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in a way that warrants further elucidation. OBJECTIVE Age and duration of exposure are investigated for modifying the variance of the reported effects of mobile/cellular phone call (CPC) on ANS indexed, herein, by the heart rate variability (HRV). METHOD Five studies targeted to 124 healthy subjects (aged 15.3-28.4 years (24.3 ± 5.2), who have been recorded in supine position before and/or sham versus real exposure (to a CPC lasting 5-32 minutes), are included in this meta-analysis. Age and duration of a CPC are evaluated as predictors in two separate meta-regressions. RESULTS The meta-analysis identified a heterogeneity I2 = 63.2% for all outcomes and I2 = 65.2% for sympathovagal balance. Thus, we performed meta-regressions: for the sympathovagal balance rather than the combined parameters effect, the goodness of fit model presents significance only for age - the residual sum of squares compared to chi-square distribution (QR) is 4.24 for age (p = 0.12) - while, for minutes of exposure, QR = 8.2805 (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The sympathovagal balance - indispensible for health/homeostasis maintenance - is strongly predicted by age. Minutes of exposure did not affect overall HRV or sympathovagal balance. The results endorse/validate the EFHRAN 2012 suggestion for future research targeting to youngsters.
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Rabou MAA, Naga NAAE, Eid FA. Effect of Transplanted Bone Marrow on Kidney Tissue of γ-Irradiated Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses. Pak J Biol Sci 2020; 23:92-102. [PMID: 31930887 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2020.92.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The damaging effects of ionizing radiation lead to cell death. The present study was performed to assess the possible ameliorating effects of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) on the histopathological and histochemical changes in the kidney tissue of γ-irradiated pregnant rats and their fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant rats were divided into 5 sets (6 females in each set): Group C (untreated pregnant rats), group R7 (pregnant rats exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays on the 7th day of pregnancy), group R7+BM (pregnant rats exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays on the 7th day of pregnancy then injected by freshly BMT (75×106±5 cells) intra peritoneally after 1 h of irradiation, group R14 (pregnant rats exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays on the 14th day of pregnancy), group R14+BM (pregnant rats exposed to 2Gy γ-rays on the 14th day of pregnancy and after 1 h received 1 dose of BMT). All pregnant rats were sacrificed on the 20th day of pregnancy and kidney samples of pregnant rats and their fetuses were removed for histopathological and histochemical studies. RESULTS Gamma rays caused many histological and histochemical deviations in the kidney tissue of mothers and their fetuses on day 7 or 14 of gestation, but bone marrow transplantation highly improved the damage were occurred due to γ-rays. CONCLUSION Bone marrow transplantation has the ability to decrease the injury of gamma rays.
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Broom KA, Findlay R, Addison DS, Goiceanu C, Sienkiewicz Z. Early-Life Exposure to Pulsed LTE Radiofrequency Fields Causes Persistent Changes in Activity and Behavior in C57BL/6 J Mice. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:498-511. [PMID: 31522469 PMCID: PMC6790696 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite much research, gaps remain in knowledge about the potential health effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. This study investigated the effects of early-life exposure to pulsed long term evolution (LTE) 1,846 MHz downlink signals on innate mouse behavior. Animals were exposed for 30 min/day, 5 days/week at a whole-body average specific energy absorption rate (SAR) of 0.5 or 1 W/kg from late pregnancy (gestation day 13.5) to weaning (postnatal day 21). A behavioral tracking system measured locomotor, drinking, and feeding behavior in the home cage from 12 to 28 weeks of age. The exposure caused significant effects on both appetitive behaviors and activity of offspring that depended on the SAR. Compared with sham-exposed controls, exposure at 0.5 W/kg significantly decreased drinking frequency (P ≤ 0.000) and significantly decreased distance moved (P ≤ 0.001). In contrast, exposure at 1 W/kg significantly increased drinking frequency (P ≤ 0.001) and significantly increased moving duration (P ≤ 0.005). In the absence of other plausible explanations, it is concluded that repeated exposure to low-level RF fields in early life may have a persistent and long-term effect on adult behavior. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:498-511. © 2019 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A. Broom
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental HazardsPublic Health EnglandChiltonOxfordshireUK
| | - Richard Findlay
- Physics Group, EMFcomp LimitedHarwell CampusHarwellOxfordshireUK
| | - Darren S. Addison
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental HazardsPublic Health EnglandChiltonOxfordshireUK
| | - Cristian Goiceanu
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public HealthRegional Center IasiIasiRomania
| | - Zenon Sienkiewicz
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental HazardsPublic Health EnglandChiltonOxfordshireUK
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Pritchard C, Silk A, Hansen L. Are rises in Electro-Magnetic Field in the human environment, interacting with multiple environmental pollutions, the tripping point for increases in neurological deaths in the Western World? Med Hypotheses 2019; 127:76-83. [PMID: 31088653 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Whilst humans evolved in the earth's Electro-Magnetic-Field (EMF) and sun-light, both being essential to life but too much sun and we burn. What happens if background EMF rise to critical levels, coinciding with increasing environmental pollutants? Two of the authors can look back over 50 clinical years and appreciate the profound changes in human morbidity across a range of disparate conditions - autoimmune diseases, asthma, earlier cancer incidence and reduced male sperm counts. In particular have been increased autism, dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and neurological diseases, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Early Onset Dementia, Multiple System Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. What might have caused these changes-whilst genetic factors are taken as given, multiple environmental pollutants are associated with neurological disease although the mechanisms are unclear. The pace of increased neurological deaths far exceeds any Gompertzian explanation - that because people are living longer they are more likely to develop more age-related problems such as neurological disease. Using WHO global mortality categories of Neurological Disease Deaths (NDD) and Alzheimer's and Dementia deaths (Alz), updated June 2018, together they constitute Total Neurological Mortality (TNM), to calculate mortality rates per million for people aged 55-74 and for the over-75's in twenty-one Western countries. Recent increases in American people aged over-75's rose 49% from 1989 to 2015 but US neurological deaths increased five-fold. In 1989 based on Age-Standardised-Deaths-Rates America USA was 17th at 324 pm but rising to 539 pm became second highest. Different environmental/occupational factors have been found to be associated with neuro-degenerative diseases, including background EMF. We briefly explore how levels of EMF interact upon the human body, which can be described as a natural antennae and provide new evidence that builds upon earlier research to propose the following hypothesis. Based upon recent and new evidence we hypothesise that a major contribution for the relative sudden upsurge in neurological morbidity in the Western world (1989-2015), is because of increased background EMF that has become the tipping point-impacting upon any genetic predisposition, increasing multiple-interactive pollutants, such as rises in petro-chemicals, hormone disrupting chemicals, industrial, agricultural and domestic chemicals. The unprecedented neurological death rates, all within just twenty-five years, demand a re-examination of long-term EMF safety related to the increasing background EMF on human health. We do not wish to 'stop the modern world', only make it safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Pritchard
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne Silk
- Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Hansen
- Southern Health, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
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Toledano MB, Mutz J, Röösli M, Thomas MSC, Dumontheil I, Elliott P. Cohort Profile: The Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones (SCAMP). Int J Epidemiol 2019; 48:25-26l. [PMID: 30325429 PMCID: PMC6380299 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mireille B Toledano
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards at King's College London, a partnership with Public Health England, and collaboration with Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julian Mutz
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards at King's College London, a partnership with Public Health England, and collaboration with Imperial College London, London, UK.,Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael S C Thomas
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Iroise Dumontheil
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul Elliott
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards at King's College London, a partnership with Public Health England, and collaboration with Imperial College London, London, UK
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Eeftens M, Struchen B, Birks LE, Cardis E, Estarlich M, Fernandez MF, Gajšek P, Gallastegi M, Huss A, Kheifets L, Meder IK, Olsen J, Torrent M, Trček T, Valič B, Vermeulen R, Vrijheid M, van Wel L, Guxens M, Röösli M. Personal exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields in Europe: Is there a generation gap? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:216-226. [PMID: 30216774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile communication technologies is changing rapidly. To characterize sources and associated variability, we studied the differences and correlations in exposure patterns between children aged 8 to 18 and their parents, over the course of the day, by age, by activity pattern, and for different metrics of exposure. METHODS Using portable RF-EMF measurement devices, we collected simultaneous real-time personal measurements of RF-EMF over 24 to 72 h in 294 parent-child pairs from Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Spain. The devices measured the power flux density (mW/m2) in 16 different frequency bands every 4 s, and activity diary Apps kept by the participants were used to collect time-activity information in real-time. We analyzed their exposures by activity, for the different source constituents of exposure: downlink (radiation emitted from mobile phone base stations), uplink (transmission from phone to base station), broadcast, DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) and Wi-Fi. We looked at the correlations between parents and children overall, during day (06:00-22.00) and night (22:00-06:00) and while spending time at home. RESULTS The mean of time-weighted average personal exposures was 0.16 mW/m2 for children and 0.15 mW/m2 for parents, on average predominantly originating from downlink sources (47% for children and 45% for parents), followed by uplink (18% and 27% respectively) and broadcast (25% and 19%). On average, exposure for downlink and uplink were highest during the day, and for Wi-Fi and DECT during the evening. Exposure during activities where most of the time is spent (home, school and work) was relatively low whereas exposure during travel and outside activities was higher. Exposure to uplink increased with age among young people, while DECT decreased slightly. Exposure to downlink, broadcast, and Wi-Fi showed no obvious trend with age. We found that exposure to total RF-EMF is correlated among children and their parents (Rspearman = 0.45), especially while at home (0.62) and during the night (0.60). Correlations were higher for environmental sources such as downlink (0.57) and broadcast (0.62) than for usage-related exposures such as uplink (0.29). CONCLUSION The generation gap between children and their parents is mostly evident in uplink exposure, due to more and longer uplink and cordless phone calls among parents, and their tendency to spend slightly more time in activities with higher environmental RF-EMF exposure, such as travel. Despite these differences in personal behavior, exposure to RF-EMF is moderately correlated between children and their parents, especially exposures resulting from environmental RF-EMF sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Benjamin Struchen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 València, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), & Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain
| | - Peter Gajšek
- Institute of Non-ionizing Radiation (INIS), Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Mara Gallastegi
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Preventative Medicine and Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Leioa, Spain
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Jørn Olsen
- Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Tomaž Trček
- Institute of Non-ionizing Radiation (INIS), Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Valič
- Institute of Non-ionizing Radiation (INIS), Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Belpomme D, Hardell L, Belyaev I, Burgio E, Carpenter DO. Thermal and non-thermal health effects of low intensity non-ionizing radiation: An international perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:643-658. [PMID: 30025338 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to low frequency and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields at low intensities poses a significant health hazard that has not been adequately addressed by national and international organizations such as the World Health Organization. There is strong evidence that excessive exposure to mobile phone-frequencies over long periods of time increases the risk of brain cancer both in humans and animals. The mechanism(s) responsible include induction of reactive oxygen species, gene expression alteration and DNA damage through both epigenetic and genetic processes. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate adverse effects on male and female reproduction, almost certainly due to generation of reactive oxygen species. There is increasing evidence the exposures can result in neurobehavioral decrements and that some individuals develop a syndrome of "electro-hypersensitivity" or "microwave illness", which is one of several syndromes commonly categorized as "idiopathic environmental intolerance". While the symptoms are non-specific, new biochemical indicators and imaging techniques allow diagnosis that excludes the symptoms as being only psychosomatic. Unfortunately standards set by most national and international bodies are not protective of human health. This is a particular concern in children, given the rapid expansion of use of wireless technologies, the greater susceptibility of the developing nervous system, the hyperconductivity of their brain tissue, the greater penetration of radiofrequency radiation relative to head size and their potential for a longer lifetime exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Paris V University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Lennart Hardell
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Orebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Igor Belyaev
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Science, Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Laboratory of Radiobiology, Institute of General Physics, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Instituto Scientifico Biomedico Euro Mediterraneo, Mesagne, Italy
| | - David O Carpenter
- European Cancer Environment Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium; Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia.
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Sudan M, Birks LE, Aurrekoetxea JJ, Ferrero A, Gallastegi M, Guxens M, Ha M, Lim H, Olsen J, González-Safont L, Vrijheid M, Kheifets L. Maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and child cognition at age 5 years in 3 birth cohorts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 120:155-162. [PMID: 30096609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been few studies of children's cognitive development in relation to mothers' cell phone use, and most were limited to outcomes at age 3 years or younger. We examined the relationship between maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and cognitive performance in 5-year old children. METHODS This study included data from 3 birth cohorts: the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) (n = 1209), Spanish Environment and Childhood Project (INMA) (n = 1383), and Korean Mothers and Children's Environment Health Study (MOCEH) (n = 497). All cohorts collected information about maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and cognitive performance in children at age 5. We performed linear regression to compute mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in children's general, verbal, and non-verbal cognition scores comparing frequency of maternal prenatal cell phone use with adjustments for numerous potential confounding factors. Models were computed separately for each cohort and using pooled data in meta-analysis. RESULTS No associations were detected between frequency of prenatal cell phone use and children's cognition scores. Scores tended to be lower in the highest frequency of use category; MD (95% CI) in general cognition scores were 0.78 (-0.76, 2.33) for none, 0.11 (-0.81, 1.03) for medium, and -0.41 (-1.54, 0.73) for high compared to low frequency of use. This pattern was seen across all cognitive dimensions, but the results were imprecise overall. CONCLUSION We observed patterns of lower mean cognition scores among children in relation to high frequency maternal prenatal cell phone use. The causal nature and mechanism of this relationship remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Sudan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second St, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
| | - Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Aurrekoetxea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian 20014, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Preventative Medicine and Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Leioa 48940, Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, 4 Av. de Navarra, San Sebastian 20013, Spain
| | - Amparo Ferrero
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de València, Avinguda Catalunya, 21, 46020 València, Spain
| | - Mara Gallastegi
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian 20014, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, 3015, CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University, College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungryul Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University, College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jorn Olsen
- Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Llúcia González-Safont
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I, Universitat de València, Avinguda Catalunya, 21, 46020 València, Spain; Predepartamental unit of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Avinguda Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Birks LE, Struchen B, Eeftens M, van Wel L, Huss A, Gajšek P, Kheifets L, Gallastegi M, Dalmau-Bueno A, Estarlich M, Fernandez MF, Meder IK, Ferrero A, Jiménez-Zabala A, Torrent M, Vrijkotte TGM, Cardis E, Olsen J, Valič B, Vermeulen R, Vrijheid M, Röösli M, Guxens M. Spatial and temporal variability of personal environmental exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields in children in Europe. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 117:204-214. [PMID: 29754001 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has rapidly increased and little is known about exposure levels in children. This study describes personal RF-EMF environmental exposure levels from handheld devices and fixed site transmitters in European children, the determinants of this, and the day-to-day and year-to-year repeatability of these exposure levels. METHODS Personal environmental RF-EMF exposure (μW/m2, power flux density) was measured in 529 children (ages 8-18 years) in Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Spain using personal portable exposure meters for a period of up to three days between 2014 and 2016, and repeated in a subsample of 28 children one year later. The meters captured 16 frequency bands every 4 s and incorporated a GPS. Activity diaries and questionnaires were used to collect children's location, use of handheld devices, and presence of indoor RF-EMF sources. Six general frequency bands were defined: total, digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT), television and radio antennas (broadcast), mobile phones (uplink), mobile phone base stations (downlink), and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi). We used adjusted mixed effects models with region random effects to estimate associations of handheld device use habits and indoor RF-EMF sources with personal RF-EMF exposure. Day-to-day and year-to-year repeatability of personal RF-EMF exposure were calculated through intraclass correlations (ICC). RESULTS Median total personal RF-EMF exposure was 75.5 μW/m2. Downlink was the largest contributor to total exposure (median: 27.2 μW/m2) followed by broadcast (9.9 μW/m2). Exposure from uplink (4.7 μW/m2) was lower. WiFi and DECT contributed very little to exposure levels. Exposure was higher during day (94.2 μW/m2) than night (23.0 μW/m2), and slightly higher during weekends than weekdays, although varying across regions. Median exposures were highest while children were outside (157.0 μW/m2) or traveling (171.3 μW/m2), and much lower at home (33.0 μW/m2) or in school (35.1 μW/m2). Children living in urban environments had higher exposure than children in rural environments. Older children and users of mobile phones had higher uplink exposure but not total exposure, compared to younger children and those that did not use mobile phones. Day-to-day repeatability was moderate to high for most of the general frequency bands (ICCs between 0.43 and 0.85), as well as for total, broadcast, and downlink for the year-to-year repeatability (ICCs between 0.49 and 0.80) in a small subsample. CONCLUSION The largest contributors to total personal environmental RF-EMF exposure were downlink and broadcast, and these exposures showed high repeatability. Urbanicity was the most important determinant of total exposure and mobile phone use was the most important determinant of uplink exposure. It is important to continue evaluating RF-EMF exposure in children as device use habits, exposure levels, and main contributing sources may change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ellen Birks
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamin Struchen
- Departement of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Departement of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Gajšek
- Institute of Non-ionizing Radiation (INIS), Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Mara Gallastegi
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Preventative Medicine and Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Leioa, Spain
| | - Albert Dalmau-Bueno
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 València, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; University of Granada, Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Amparo Ferrero
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 València, Spain
| | - Ana Jiménez-Zabala
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Dr. Begiristain Pasealekua, San Sebastian, Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maties Torrent
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; ib-salut, Area de Salut de Menorca, Menorca, Spain
| | - Tanja G M Vrijkotte
- Department of Public Health - Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Blaž Valič
- Institute of Non-ionizing Radiation (INIS), Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martin Röösli
- Departement of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Goedhart G, van Wel L, Langer CE, de Llobet Viladoms P, Wiart J, Hours M, Kromhout H, Benke G, Bouka E, Bruchim R, Choi KH, Eng A, Ha M, Huss A, Kiyohara K, Kojimahara N, Krewski D, Lacour B, 't Mannetje A, Maule M, Migliore E, Mohipp C, Momoli F, Petridou ET, Radon K, Remen T, Sadetzki S, Sim M, Weinmann T, Cardis E, Vrijheid M, Vermeulen R. Recall of mobile phone usage and laterality in young people: The multinational Mobi-Expo study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:150-157. [PMID: 29704776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study recall of mobile phone usage, including laterality and hands-free use, in young people. METHODS Actual mobile phone use was recorded among volunteers aged between 10 and 24 years from 12 countries by the software application XMobiSense and was compared with self-reported mobile phone use at 6 and 18 months after using the application. The application recorded number and duration of voice calls, number of text messages, amount of data transfer, laterality (% of call time the phone was near the right or left side of the head, or neither), and hands-free usage. After data cleaning, 466 participants were available for the main analyses (recorded vs. self-reported phone use after 6 months). RESULTS Participants were on average 18.6 years old (IQR 15.2-21.8 years). The Spearman correlation coefficients between recorded and self-reported (after 6 months) number and duration of voice calls were 0.68 and 0.65, respectively. Number of calls was on average underestimated by the participants (adjusted geometric mean ratio (GMR) self-report/recorded = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.47-0.58), while duration of calls was overestimated (GMR=1.32, 95%, CI = 1.15-1.52). The ratios significantly differed by country, age, maternal educational level, and level of reported phone use, but not by time of the interview (6 vs. 18 months). Individuals who reported low mobile phone use underestimated their use, while individuals who reported the highest level of phone use were more likely to overestimate their use. Individuals who reported using the phone mainly on the right side of the head used it more on the right (71.1%) than the left (28.9%) side. Self-reported left side users, however, used the phone only slightly more on the left (53.3%) than the right (46.7%) side. Recorded percentage hands-free use (headset, speaker mode, Bluetooth) increased with increasing self-reported frequency of hands-free device usage. Frequent (≥50% of call time) reported headset or speaker mode use corresponded with 17.1% and 17.2% of total call time, respectively, that was recorded as hands-free use. DISCUSSION These results indicate that young people can recall phone use moderately well, with recall depending on the amount of phone use and participants' characteristics. The obtained information can be used to calibrate self-reported mobile use to improve estimation of radiofrequency exposure from mobile phones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geertje Goedhart
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Luuk van Wel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Chelsea E Langer
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia de Llobet Viladoms
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joe Wiart
- Chaire C2M, LTCI, Telecom ParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - Martine Hours
- Epidemiological Research and Surveillance Unit in Transport, Occupation and Environment (UMRESTTE), Université de Lyon/The French Institute of science and technology for transport, development and networks (IFSTTAR), Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Geza Benke
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Evdoxia Bouka
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Revital Bruchim
- Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Amanda Eng
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kosuke Kiyohara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Kojimahara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lacour
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumours, CHU, Nancy, Inserm UMRS-1153, CRESS-EPICEA, University of Paris-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Andrea 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Milena Maule
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
| | - Enrica Migliore
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
| | - Charmaine Mohipp
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumours, CHU, Nancy, Inserm UMRS-1153, CRESS-EPICEA, University of Paris-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Franco Momoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katja Radon
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology & NetTeaching Unit, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Remen
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumours, CHU, Nancy, France
| | - Siegal Sadetzki
- Cancer and Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Malcolm Sim
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tobias Weinmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology & NetTeaching Unit, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, PO Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Hou Q, Li S, Jiang C, Huang Y, Huang L, Ye J, Pan Z, Teng T, Wang Q, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Liu C, Li M, Mo Z, Yang X. The associations between maternal lifestyles and antenatal stress and anxiety in Chinese pregnant women: A cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10771. [PMID: 30018374 PMCID: PMC6050313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal lifestyles and antenatal stress and anxiety. 1491 pregnant women were drawn from the Guangxi birth cohort study (GBCS). A base line questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and maternal lifestyles. The Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to assess prenatal stress and anxiety, respectively. Regression analyses identified the relationship between maternal lifestyles and prenatal stress and anxiety: (1) Hours of phone use per day was positively correlated to prenatal stress and anxiety and increased with stress and anxiety levels (all P trend < 0.05). In addition, not having baby at home was positively correlated to prenatal stress. (2) Self-reported sleep quality was negative with prenatal stress and anxiety, and decreased with stress and anxiety levels (all P trend < 0.01). Moreover, not frequent cooking was negatively correlated to prenatal stress and having pets was negatively correlated to prenatal anxiety (P < 0.05). However, having pets was not correlated to prenatal stress (P > 0.05). Our results showed that adverse lifestyles increase the risk of antenatal stress and anxiety, a regular routine and a variety of enjoyable activities decreases the risk of prenatal stress and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhi Hou
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yaling Huang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Lulu Huang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhijian Pan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Qinzhou, Qinzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Teng
- Department of Antenatal care, the Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Mujun Li
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Foerster M, Thielens A, Joseph W, Eeftens M, Röösli M. A Prospective Cohort Study of Adolescents' Memory Performance and Individual Brain Dose of Microwave Radiation from Wireless Communication. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:077007. [PMID: 30044230 PMCID: PMC6108834 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential impact of microwave radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by wireless communication devices on neurocognitive functions of adolescents is controversial. In a previous analysis, we found changes in figural memory scores associated with a higher cumulative RF-EMF brain dose in adolescents. OBJECTIVE We aimed to follow-up our previous results using a new study population, dose estimation, and approach to controlling for confounding from media usage itself. METHODS RF-EMF brain dose for each participant was modeled. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted on verbal and figural memory score changes over 1 y and on estimated cumulative brain dose and RF-EMF related and unrelated media usage (n=669-676). Because of the hemispheric lateralization of memory, we conducted a laterality analysis for phone call ear preference. To control for the confounding of media use behaviors, a stratified analysis for different media usage groups was also conducted. RESULTS We found decreased figural memory scores in association with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in estimated cumulative RF-EMF brain dose scores: -0.22 (95% CI: -0.47, 0.03; IQR: 953 mJ/kg per day) in the whole sample, -0.39 (95% CI: -0.67, -0.10; IQR: 953 mJ/kg per day) in right-side users (n=532), and -0.26 (95% CI: -0.42, -0.10; IQR: 341 mJ/kg per day) when recorded network operator data were used for RF-EMF dose estimation (n=274). Media usage unrelated to RF-EMF did not show significant associations or consistent patterns, with the exception of consistent (nonsignificant) positive associations between data traffic duration and verbal memory. CONCLUSIONS Our findings for a cohort of Swiss adolescents require confirmation in other populations but suggest a potential adverse effect of RF-EMF brain dose on cognitive functions that involve brain regions mostly exposed during mobile phone use. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2427.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Foerster
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, Berkeley Wireless Research Center, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wout Joseph
- Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Information Technology, Waves research group, Ghent University
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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38
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Lissak G. Adverse physiological and psychological effects of screen time on children and adolescents: Literature review and case study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:149-157. [PMID: 29499467 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED A growing body of literature is associating excessive and addictive use of digital media with physical, psychological, social and neurological adverse consequences. Research is focusing more on mobile devices use, and studies suggest that duration, content, after-dark-use, media type and the number of devices are key components determining screen time effects. Physical health effects: excessive screen time is associated with poor sleep and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, low HDL cholesterol, poor stress regulation (high sympathetic arousal and cortisol dysregulation), and Insulin Resistance. Other physical health consequences include impaired vision and reduced bone density. Psychological effects: internalizing and externalizing behavior is related to poor sleep. Depressive symptoms and suicidal are associated to screen time induced poor sleep, digital device night use, and mobile phone dependency. ADHD-related behavior was linked to sleep problems, overall screen time, and violent and fast-paced content which activates dopamine and the reward pathways. Early and prolonged exposure to violent content is also linked to risk for antisocial behavior and decreased prosocial behavior. Psychoneurological effects: addictive screen time use decreases social coping and involves craving behavior which resembles substance dependence behavior. Brain structural changes related to cognitive control and emotional regulation are associated with digital media addictive behavior. A case study of a treatment of an ADHD diagnosed 9-year-old boy suggests screen time induced ADHD-related behavior could be inaccurately diagnosed as ADHD. Screen time reduction is effective in decreasing ADHD-related behavior. CONCLUSIONS Components crucial for psychophysiological resilience are none-wandering mind (typical of ADHD-related behavior), good social coping and attachment, and good physical health. Excessive digital media use by children and adolescents appears as a major factor which may hamper the formation of sound psychophysiological resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Lissak
- Meuhedet Health Services, Jerusalem, Israel.
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39
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Silangam W, Yoosook W, Kongtip P, Kongtawelert A, Theppeang K. EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS DURING LESSONS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2018; 179:248-252. [PMID: 29216404 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncx266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Schools are a significant location where children are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which may cause adverse health effects. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine exposure levels to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) with a range of 5 Hz-32 kHz, and ELF-electric fields (ELF-EFs) with a range of 5 Hz-2 kHz in secondary schools in Bangkok, Thailand. This study was conducted in 60 classrooms from three schools during class hours. Spot measurements were taken with a Narda EFA 300 field analyzer to evaluate exposure levels. This study showed that ELF-EMF exposure levels are lower than ICNIRP guidelines, while 21.67% of classrooms had a magnetic field strength above 0.2 μT, and the main sources of ELF-EMFs were electrical equipment and electrical wiring. Future studies should measure ELF-EMF levels in other areas and evaluate the effects of long term exposure to ELF-EMFs on children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasana Silangam
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Witaya Yoosook
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpimol Kongtip
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Amarin Kongtawelert
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Keson Theppeang
- Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ministry of Labour, Bangkok, Thailand
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López-Lázaro M. The stem cell division theory of cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 123:95-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Birks L, Guxens M, Papadopoulou E, Alexander J, Ballester F, Estarlich M, Gallastegi M, Ha M, Haugen M, Huss A, Kheifets L, Lim H, Olsen J, Santa-Marina L, Sudan M, Vermeulen R, Vrijkotte T, Cardis E, Vrijheid M. Maternal cell phone use during pregnancy and child behavioral problems in five birth cohorts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 104:122-131. [PMID: 28392066 PMCID: PMC5506372 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have reported associations between prenatal cell phone use and child behavioral problems, but findings have been inconsistent and based on retrospective assessment of cell phone use. This study aimed to assess this association in a multi-national analysis, using data from three cohorts with prospective data on prenatal cell phone use, together with previously published data from two cohorts with retrospectively collected cell phone use data. METHODS We used individual participant data from 83,884 mother-child pairs in the five cohorts from Denmark (1996-2002), Korea (2006-2011), the Netherlands (2003-2004), Norway (2004-2008), and Spain (2003-2008). We categorized cell phone use into none, low, medium, and high, based on frequency of calls during pregnancy reported by the mothers. Child behavioral problems (reported by mothers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire or Child Behavior Checklist) were classified in the borderline/clinical and clinical ranges using validated cut-offs in children aged 5-7years. Cohort specific risk estimates were meta-analyzed. RESULTS Overall, 38.8% of mothers, mostly from the Danish cohort, reported no cell phone use during pregnancy and these mothers were less likely to have a child with overall behavioral, hyperactivity/inattention or emotional problems. Evidence for a trend of increasing risk of child behavioral problems through the maternal cell phone use categories was observed for hyperactivity/inattention problems (OR for problems in the clinical range: 1.11, 95%CI 1.01, 1.22; 1.28, 95%CI 1.12, 1.48, among children of medium and high users, respectively). This association was fairly consistent across cohorts and between cohorts with retrospectively and prospectively collected cell phone use data. CONCLUSIONS Maternal cell phone use during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk for behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity/inattention problems, in the offspring. The interpretation of these results is unclear as uncontrolled confounding may influence both maternal cell phone use and child behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Birks
- ISGlobal Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mònica Guxens
- ISGlobal Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- Domain of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Alexander
- Domain of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. De Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. De Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mara Gallastegi
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Begiristain Doctorea Pasealekua, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Faculty of Medicine, Barrio Sarriena, s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University, College of Medicine, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Jukjeon 1, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Department of Exposure and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0456 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Domplein 29, 3512 JE Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hyungryul Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University, College of Medicine, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Jukjeon 1, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, Begiristain Doctorea Pasealekua, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, De Francia Ibilbidea, 12, 20012 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Madhuri Sudan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Danish Epidemiology Science Centre, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Domplein 29, 3512 JE Utrecht, Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja Vrijkotte
- Department of Public Health, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- ISGlobal Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Carrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, Madrid, Spain
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Bhatt CR, Benke G, Smith CL, Redmayne M, Dimitriadis C, Dalecki A, Macleod S, Sim MR, Croft RJ, Wolfe R, Kaufman J, Abramson MJ. Use of mobile and cordless phones and change in cognitive function: a prospective cohort analysis of Australian primary school children. Environ Health 2017. [PMID: 28629417 PMCID: PMC5477374 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0250-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some previous studies have suggested an association between children's use of mobile phones (MPs)/cordless phones (CPs) and development of cognitive function. We evaluated possible longitudinal associations between the use of MPs and CPs in a cohort of primary school children and effects on their cognitive function. METHODS Data on children's socio-demographics, use of MPs and CPs, and cognitive function were collected at baseline (2010-2012) and follow-up (2012-2013). Cognitive outcomes were evaluated with the CogHealth™ test battery and Stroop Color-Word test. The change in the number of MP/CP voice calls weekly from baseline to follow-up was dichotomized: "an increase in calls" or a "decrease/no change in calls". Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusting for confounders and clustering by school, were performed to evaluate the associations between the change in cognitive outcomes and change in MP and CP exposures. RESULTS Of 412 children, a larger proportion of them used a CP (76% at baseline and follow-up), compared to a MP (31% at baseline and 43% at follow-up). Of 26 comparisons of changes in cognitive outcomes, four demonstrated significant associations. The increase in MP usage was associated with larger reduction in response time for response inhibition, smaller reduction in the number of total errors for spatial problem solving and larger increase in response time for a Stroop interference task. Except for the smaller reduction in detection task accuracy, the increase in CP usage had no effect on the changes in cognitive outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study shows that a larger proportion of children used CPs compared to MPs. We found limited evidence that change in the use of MPs or CPs in primary school children was associated with change in cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Raj Bhatt
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Catherine L. Smith
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary Redmayne
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christina Dimitriadis
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Dalecki
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Skye Macleod
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Malcolm R. Sim
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rodney J. Croft
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Rory Wolfe
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jordy Kaufman
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122 Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- Centre for Population Health Research on Electromagnetic Energy (PRESEE), School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, VIC 3004 Melbourne, Australia
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Sharma A, Kesari KK, Saxena VK, Sisodia R. Ten gigahertz microwave radiation impairs spatial memory, enzymes activity, and histopathology of developing mice brain. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 435:1-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Schoeni A, Roser K, Röösli M. Symptoms and the use of wireless communication devices: A prospective cohort study in Swiss adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:275-283. [PMID: 28113068 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phones and other wireless devices or by the wireless device use itself due to non-radiation related factors in that context are associated with an increase in health symptom reports of adolescents in Central Switzerland. METHODS In a prospective cohort study, 439 study participants (participation rate: 36.8%) aged 12-17 years, completed questionnaires about their mobile and cordless phone use, their self-reported symptoms and possible confounding factors at baseline (2012/2013) and one year later (2013/2014). Operator recorded mobile phone data was obtained for a subgroup of 234 adolescents. RF-EMF dose measures considering various factors affecting RF-EMF exposure were computed for the brain and the whole body. Data were analysed using a mixed-logistic cross-sectional model and a cohort approach, where we investigated whether cumulative dose over one year was related to a new onset of a symptom between baseline and follow-up. All analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. RESULTS Participation rate in the follow-up was 97% (425 participants). In both analyses, cross-sectional and cohort, various symptoms tended to be mostly associated with usage measures that are only marginally related to RF-EMF exposure such as the number of text messages sent per day (e.g. tiredness: OR:1.81; 95%CI:1.20-2.74 for cross-sectional analyses and OR:1.87; 95%CI:1.04-3.38 for cohort analyses). Outcomes were generally less strongly or not associated with mobile phone call duration and RF-EMF dose measures. CONCLUSIONS Stronger associations between symptoms of ill health and wireless communication device use than for RF-EMF dose measures were observed. Such a result pattern does not support a causal association between RF-EMF exposure and health symptoms of adolescents but rather suggests that other aspects of extensive media use are related to symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schoeni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Katharina Roser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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Bhargav H, Srinivasan TM, Bista S, Mooventhan A, Suresh V, Hankey A, Nagendra HR. Acute effects of mobile phone radiations on subtle energy levels of teenagers using electrophotonic imaging technique: A randomized controlled study. Int J Yoga 2017; 10:16-23. [PMID: 28149063 PMCID: PMC5225739 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.186163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Mobile phones induce radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) which has been found to affect subtle energy levels of adults through Electrophotonic Imaging (EPI) technique in a previous pilot study. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 61 healthy right-handed healthy teenagers (22 males and 39 females) in the age range of 17.40 ± 0.24 years from educational institutes in Bengaluru. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: (1) (mobile phone in ON mode [MPON] at right ear) and (2) mobile phone in OFF mode (MPOF). Subtle energy levels of various organs of the subjects were measured using gas discharge visualization Camera Pro device, in double-blind conditions, at two points of time: (1) baseline and (2) after 15 min of MPON/MPOF exposure. As the data were found normally distributed, paired and independent samples t-test were applied to perform within and between group comparisons, respectively. Results: The subtle energy levels were significantly reduced after RF-EMF exposure in MPON group as compared to MPOF group for following areas: (a) Pancreas (P = 0.001), (b) thyroid gland (P = 0.002), (c) cerebral cortex (P < 0.01), (d) cerebral vessels (P < 0.05), (e) hypophysis (P = 0.013), (f) left ear and left eye (P < 0.01), (g) liver (P < 0.05), (h) right kidney (P < 0.05), (i) spleen (P < 0.04), and (j) immune system (P < 0.02). Conclusion: Fifteen minutes of RF-EMF exposure exerted quantifiable effects on subtle energy levels of endocrine glands, nervous system, liver, kidney, spleen, and immune system of healthy teenagers. Future studies should try to correlate these findings with respective biochemical markers and standard radio-imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Bhargav
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - T M Srinivasan
- Division of Yoga and Physical Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Suman Bista
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - A Mooventhan
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vandana Suresh
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Alex Hankey
- Division of Yoga and Physical Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - H R Nagendra
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Samkange-Zeeb F, Blettner M. Emerging aspects of mobile phone use. EMERGING HEALTH THREATS JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v2i0.7082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Samkange-Zeeb
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - M Blettner
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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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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Calvente I, Pérez-Lobato R, Núñez MI, Ramos R, Guxens M, Villalba J, Olea N, Fernández MF. Does exposure to environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic fields cause cognitive and behavioral effects in 10-year-old boys? Bioelectromagnetics 2016; 37:25-36. [PMID: 26769168 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields from non-ionizing radiation and adverse human health effects remains controversial. We aimed to explore the association of environmental radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) exposure with neurobehavioral function of children. A subsample of 123 boys belonging to the Environment and Childhood cohort from Granada (Spain), recruited at birth from 2000 through 2002, were evaluated at the age of 9-11 years. Spot electric field measurements within the 100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range, expressed as both root mean-square (S(RMS) and maximum power density (S(MAX)) magnitudes, were performed in the immediate surrounds of childreńs dwellings. Neurocognitive and behavioral functions were assessed with a comprehensive battery of tests. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used, adjusting for potential confounders. All measurements were lower than reference guideline limits, with median S(RMS) and S(MAX) values of 285.94 and 2759.68 μW/m(2), respectively. Most of the cognitive and behavioral parameters did not show any effect, but children living in higher RF exposure areas (above median S(RMS) levels) had lower scores for verbal expression/comprehension and higher scores for internalizing and total problems, and obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders, in comparison to those living in areas with lower exposure. These associations were stronger when S(MAX) values were considered. Although some of our results may suggest that low-level environmental RF-EMF exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and/or behavior development in children; given limitations in the study design and that the majority of neurobehavioral functioning tasks were not affected, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Calvente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | | | - María-Isabel Núñez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, University of Granada, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Granada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Ramos
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Granada, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Villalba
- Department of Radiology, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, University of Granada, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Granada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, University of Granada, Spain.,CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Granada, Madrid, Spain
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Xu F, Bai Q, Zhou K, Ma L, Duan J, Zhuang F, Xie C, Li W, Zou P, Zhu C. Age-dependent acute interference with stem and progenitor cell proliferation in the hippocampus after exposure to 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation. Electromagn Biol Med 2016; 36:158-166. [DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2016.1233886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Kerimoğlu G, Aslan A, Baş O, Çolakoğlu S, Odacı E. Adverse effects in lumbar spinal cord morphology and tissue biochemistry in Sprague Dawley male rats following exposure to a continuous 1-h a day 900-MHz electromagnetic field throughout adolescence. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 78:125-130. [PMID: 27650207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell phones, an indispensable element of daily life, are today used at almost addictive levels by adolescents. Adolescents are therefore becoming increasingly exposed to the effect of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by cell phones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exposure to a 900-MHz EMF throughout adolescence on the lumbar spinal cord using histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley (28.3-43.9g) aged 21days were included in the study. These were divided equally into three groups - control (CG), sham (SG) and electromagnetic (ELMAG). No procedure was performed on the CG rats until the end of the study. SG and ELMAG rats were kept inside an EMF cage (EMFC) for 1h a day every day at the same time between postnatal days 22 and 60. During this time, ELMAG rats were exposed to the effect of a 900-MHz EMF, while the SG rats were kept in the EMFC without being exposed to EMF. At the end of the study, the lumbar regions of the spinal cords of all rats in all groups were extracted. Half of each extracted tissue was stored at -80°C for biochemical analysis, while the other half was used for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. In terms of histopathology, a lumbar spinal cord with normal morphology was observed in the other groups, while morphological irregularity in gray matter, increased vacuolization and infiltration of white matter into gray matter were pronounced in the ELMAG rats. The cytoplasm of some neurons in the gray matter was shrunken and stained dark, and vacuoles were observed in the cytoplasms. The apoptotic index of glia cells and neurons were significantly higher in ELMAG compared to the other groups. Biochemical analysis revealed a significantly increased MDA value in ELMAG compared to CG, while SOD and GSH levels decreased significantly. In conclusion, our study results suggest that continuous exposure to a 900-MHz EMF for 1h a day through all stages of adolescence can result in impairments at both morphological and biochemical levels in the lumbar region spinal cords of Sprague Dawley rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökçen Kerimoğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ali Aslan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Orhan Baş
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Serdar Çolakoğlu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Ersan Odacı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.
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