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Gulati S, Mosgoeller W, Moldan D, Kosik P, Durdik M, Jakl L, Skorvaga M, Markova E, Kochanova D, Vigasova K, Belyaev I. Evaluation of oxidative stress and genetic instability among residents near mobile phone base stations in Germany. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116486. [PMID: 38820877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is restricted to prevent thermal effects in the tissue. However, at very low intensity exposure "non-thermal" biological effects, like oxidative stress, DNA or chromosomal aberrations, etc. collectively termed genomic-instability can occur after few hours. Little is known about chronic (years long) exposure with non-thermal RF-EMF. We identified two neighboring housing estates in a rural region with residents exposed to either relatively low (control-group) or relatively high (exposed-group) RF-EMF emitted from nearby mobile phone base stations (MPBS). 24 healthy adults that lived in their homes at least for 5 years volunteered. The homes were surveyed for common types of EMF, blood samples were tested for oxidative status, transient DNA alterations, permanent chromosomal damage, and specific cancer related genetic markers, like MLL gene rearrangements. We documented possible confounders, like age, sex, nutrition, life-exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays), occupational exposures, etc. The groups matched well, age, sex, lifestyle and occupational risk factors were similar. The years long exposure had no measurable effect on MLL gene rearrangements and c-Abl-gene transcription modification. Associated with higher exposure, we found higher levels of lipid oxidation and oxidative DNA-lesions, though not statistically significant. DNA double strand breaks, micronuclei, ring chromosomes, and acentric chromosomes were not significantly different between the groups. Chromosomal aberrations like dicentric chromosomes (p=0.007), chromatid gaps (p=0.019), chromosomal fragments (p<0.001) and the total of chromosomal aberrations (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the exposed group. No potential confounder interfered with these findings. Increased rates of chromosomal aberrations as linked to excess exposure with ionizing radiation may also occur with non-ionizing radiation exposure. Biological endpoints can be informative for designing exposure limitation strategies. Further research is warranted to investigate the dose-effect-relationship between both, exposure intensity and exposure time, to account for endpoint accumulations after years of exposure. As established for ionizing radiation, chromosomal aberrations could contribute to the definition of protection thresholds, as their rate reflects exposure intensity and exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Gulati
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | | | | | - Pavol Kosik
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Matus Durdik
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Lukas Jakl
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Milan Skorvaga
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Markova
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Dominika Kochanova
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Vigasova
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Department of Radiobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava 845 05, Slovak Republic.
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Balmori A. Evidence for a health risk by RF on humans living around mobile phone base stations: From radiofrequency sickness to cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113851. [PMID: 35843283 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to perform a complete review of the existing scientific literature to update the knowledge on the effects of base station antennas on humans. Studies performed in real urban conditions, with mobile phone base stations situated close to apartments, were selected. Overall results of this review show three types of effects by base station antennas on the health of people: radiofrequency sickness (RS), cancer (C) and changes in biochemical parameters (CBP). Considering all the studies reviewed globally (n = 38), 73.6% (28/38) showed effects: 73.9% (17/23) for radiofrequency sickness, 76.9% (10/13) for cancer and 75.0% (6/8) for changes in biochemical parameters. Furthermore, studies that did not meet the strict conditions to be included in this review provided important supplementary evidence. The existence of similar effects from studies by different sources (but with RF of similar characteristics), such as radar, radio and television antennas, wireless smart meters and laboratory studies, reinforce the conclusions of this review. Of special importance are the studies performed on animals or trees near base station antennas that cannot be aware of their proximity and to which psychosomatic effects can never be attributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balmori
- C/ Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14 47014, Valladolid, Spain.
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Environmental Risk Factors for Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors: an Umbrella Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Koppel T, Ahonen M, Carlberg M, Hedendahl LK, Hardell L. Radiofrequency radiation from nearby mobile phone base stations-a case comparison of one low and one high exposure apartment. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5383-5391. [PMID: 31612047 PMCID: PMC6781513 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range of 30–300 GHz has, since 2011, been classified as a ‘possible’ human carcinogen by Group 2B, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at WHO. This was based on a number of human epidemiology studies on increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma. Based on further human epidemiology studies and animal studies, the evidence on RF radiation carcinogenesis has increased since 2011. In previous measurement studies, it has been indicated that high environmental RF radiation levels are present in certain areas of Stockholm Sweden, including in one apartment. Field spatial distribution measurements were performed in the previously measured apartment in Stockholm, which exhibited high RF radiation from nearby base stations. Based on the RF broadband analyzer spot measurements, the maximum indoor E-field topped at 3 V m−1 in the bedroom at the 7th floor. The maximum outdoor exposure level of 6 V m−1 was encountered at the 8th floor balcony, located at the same elevation and only 6.16 m away from the base station antennas. For comparison, a measurement was made in a low exposure apartment in Stockholm. Here, the maximum indoor field 0.52 V m−1 was measured at the corner window, with direct line of sight to the neighboring house with mobile phone base station antennas. The maximum outdoor field of 0.75 V m−1 was measured at the balcony facing the same next-door building with mobile phone base station antennas. The minimum field of 0.10 V m−1 was registered on the apartment area closest to the center of the building, demonstrating the shielding effects of the indoor walls. Good mobile phone reception was achieved in both apartments. Therefore, installation of base stations to risky places cannot be justified using the good reception requirement argument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarmo Koppel
- Department of Labour Environment and Safety, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn 19086, Estonia
| | - Mikko Ahonen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Safety, Tallinn 11615, Estonia
| | - Michael Carlberg
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lena K Hedendahl
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lennart Hardell
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
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Miller AB, Morgan LL, Udasin I, Davis DL. Cancer epidemiology update, following the 2011 IARC evaluation of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Monograph 102). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:673-683. [PMID: 30196934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiology studies (case-control, cohort, time trend and case studies) published since the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 2011 categorization of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile phones and other wireless devices as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) are reviewed and summarized. Glioma is an important human cancer found to be associated with RFR in 9 case-control studies conducted in Sweden and France, as well as in some other countries. Increasing glioma incidence trends have been reported in the UK and other countries. Non-malignant endpoints linked include acoustic neuroma (vestibular Schwannoma) and meningioma. Because they allow more detailed consideration of exposure, case-control studies can be superior to cohort studies or other methods in evaluating potential risks for brain cancer. When considered with recent animal experimental evidence, the recent epidemiological studies strengthen and support the conclusion that RFR should be categorized as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1). Opportunistic epidemiological studies are proposed that can be carried out through cross-sectional analyses of high, medium, and low mobile phone users with respect to hearing, vision, memory, reaction time, and other indicators that can easily be assessed through standardized computer-based tests. As exposure data are not uniformly available, billing records should be used whenever available to corroborate reported exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - L Lloyd Morgan
- Environmental Health Trust, Berkeley, CA, United States.
| | - Iris Udasin
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, United States.
| | - Devra Lee Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, Teton Village, WY, United States; Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
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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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Halgamuge MN. Review: Weak radiofrequency radiation exposure from mobile phone radiation on plants. Electromagn Biol Med 2016; 36:213-235. [PMID: 27650031 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2016.1220389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this article was to explore the hypothesis that non-thermal, weak, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have an effect on living plants. SUBJECT AND METHODS In this study, we performed an analysis of the data extracted from the 45 peer-reviewed scientific publications (1996-2016) describing 169 experimental observations to detect the physiological and morphological changes in plants due to the non-thermal RF-EMF effects from mobile phone radiation. Twenty-nine different species of plants were considered in this work. RESULTS Our analysis demonstrates that the data from a substantial amount of the studies on RF-EMFs from mobile phones show physiological and/or morphological effects (89.9%, p < 0.001). Additionally, our analysis of the results from these reported studies demonstrates that the maize, roselle, pea, fenugreek, duckweeds, tomato, onions and mungbean plants seem to be very sensitive to RF-EMFs. Our findings also suggest that plants seem to be more responsive to certain frequencies, especially the frequencies between (i) 800 and 1500 MHz (p < 0.0001), (ii) 1500 and 2400 MHz (p < 0.0001) and (iii) 3500 and 8000 MHz (p = 0.0161). CONCLUSION The available literature on the effect of RF-EMFs on plants to date observed the significant trend of radiofrequency radiation influence on plants. Hence, this study provides new evidence supporting our hypothesis. Nonetheless, this endorses the need for more experiments to observe the effects of RF-EMFs, especially for the longer exposure durations, using the whole organisms. The above observation agrees with our earlier study, in that it supported that it is not a well-grounded method to characterize biological effects without considering the exposure duration. Nevertheless, none of these findings can be directly associated with human; however, on the other hand, this cannot be excluded, as it can impact the human welfare and health, either directly or indirectly, due to their complexity and varied effects (calcium metabolism, stress proteins, etc.). This study should be useful as a reference for researchers conducting epidemiological studies and the long-term experiments, using whole organisms, to observe the effects of RF-EMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malka N Halgamuge
- a Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering , The University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia
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8
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Hung GY, Horng JL, Yen HJ, Lee CY, Lee YS. Geographic Variation in Cancer Incidence among Children and Adolescents in Taiwan (1995-2009). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133051. [PMID: 26192415 PMCID: PMC4507945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from our recent study suggested that the overall trend for cancer incidence in children and adolescents has been increasing in Taiwan. METHODS To analyze geographic variations in this trend, cancer frequencies and incidence rates of disease groups were quantified according to geographic areas among 12,633 patients aged <20 years during 1995-2009 by using the population-based Taiwan Cancer Registry. Three geographic levels were defined, namely county or city, region (Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan), and local administrative area (special municipality, provincial city, county-administered city, township, and aboriginal area). RESULTS Of the regions, Northern Taiwan had the highest incidence rate at 139.6 per million person-years, followed by Central (132.8), Southern (131.8), and Eastern (128.4) Taiwan. Significantly higher standardized rate ratios (SRRs) were observed in Northern Taiwan (SRR = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.10) and at the township level (SRR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03-1.11). Of the cities or counties, New Taipei City yielded the highest SRR (1.08), followed by Taipei City (SRR = 1.07). A comparison of the rates in the four regions and the remainder of Taiwan according to cancer type revealed that only the rate of neuroblastomas in Eastern Taiwan was significantly low. Trend analysis showed that the most significant increase in incidence rate was observed at the township level, with an annual percent change of 1.8% during the 15-year study period. CONCLUSIONS The high rate of childhood cancer in Northern Taiwan and at the township level deserves further attention. The potential impacts of environmental factors on the upward trend of childhood cancer incidence rate in townships warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giun-Yi Hung
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Lin Horng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ju Yen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ying Lee
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Calvente I, Fernández MF, Pérez-Lobato R, Dávila-Arias C, Ocón O, Ramos R, Ríos-Arrabal S, Villalba-Moreno J, Olea N, Núñez MI. Outdoor characterization of radio frequency electromagnetic fields in a Spanish birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:136-143. [PMID: 25707018 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable public concern in many countries about the possible adverse effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation electromagnetic fields, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure profiles within the frequency range 100kHz-6GHz in the immediate surrounds of the dwellings of 123 families from the INMA-Granada birth cohort in Southern Spain, using spot measurements. The arithmetic mean root mean-square electric field (ERMS) and power density (SRMS) values were, respectively, 195.79mV/m (42.3% of data were above this mean) and 799.01µW/m(2) (30% of values were above this mean); median values were 148.80mV/m and 285.94µW/m(2), respectively. Exposure levels below the quantification limit were assigned a value of 0.01V/m. Incident field strength levels varied widely among different areas or towns/villages, demonstrating spatial variability in the distribution of exposure values related to the surface area population size and also among seasons. Although recorded values were well below International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels, there is a particular need to characterize incident field strength levels in vulnerable populations (e.g., children) because of their chronic and ever-increasing exposure. The effects of incident field strength have not been fully elucidated; however, it may be appropriate to apply the precautionary principle in order to reduce exposure in susceptible groups.
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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. Madreid s/n, Granada 18071, 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. Madreid s/n, Granada 18071, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - R Pérez-Lobato
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - C Dávila-Arias
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - O Ocón
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - R Ramos
- Unit Research Support of the San Cecilio University Hospital, Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada/University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - S Ríos-Arrabal
- 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. Madreid s/n, Granada 18071, Spain
| | | | - N Olea
- 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. Madreid s/n, Granada 18071, 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. Madreid s/n, Granada 18071, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER) University of Granada, Spain.
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Beekhuizen J, Kromhout H, Bürgi A, Huss A, Vermeulen R. What input data are needed to accurately model electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations? JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2015; 25:53-57. [PMID: 24472756 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2014.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The increase in mobile communication technology has led to concern about potential health effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from mobile phone base stations. Different RF-EMF prediction models have been applied to assess population exposure to RF-EMF. Our study examines what input data are needed to accurately model RF-EMF, as detailed data are not always available for epidemiological studies. We used NISMap, a 3D radio wave propagation model, to test models with various levels of detail in building and antenna input data. The model outcomes were compared with outdoor measurements taken in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Results showed good agreement between modelled and measured RF-EMF when 3D building data and basic antenna information (location, height, frequency and direction) were used: Spearman correlations were >0.6. Model performance was not sensitive to changes in building damping parameters. Antenna-specific information about down-tilt, type and output power did not significantly improve model performance compared with using average down-tilt and power values, or assuming one standard antenna type. We conclude that 3D radio wave propagation modelling is a feasible approach to predict outdoor RF-EMF levels for ranking exposure levels in epidemiological studies, when 3D building data and information on the antenna height, frequency, location and direction are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Beekhuizen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred Bürgi
- ARIAS umwelt.forschung.beratung, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anke Huss
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Beekhuizen J, Vermeulen R, Kromhout H, Bürgi A, Huss A. Geospatial modelling of electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 445-446:202-209. [PMID: 23333516 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
There is concern that exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phone base stations might lead to adverse health effects. In order to assess potential health risks, reliable exposure assessment is necessary. Geospatial exposure modelling is a promising approach to quantify ambient exposure to RF-EMF for epidemiological studies involving large populations. We modelled RF-EMF for Amsterdam, The Netherlands by using a 3D RF-EMF model (NISMap). We subsequently compared modelled results to RF-EMF measurements in five areas with differing built-up characteristics (e.g., low-rise residential, high-rise commercial). We performed, in each area, repeated continuous measurements along a predefined ~2 km long path. This mobile monitoring approach captures the high spatial variability in electric field strengths. The modelled values were in good agreement with the measurements. We found a Spearman correlation of 0.86 for GSM900 and 0.85 for UMTS between modelled and measured values. The average measured GSM900 field strength was 0.21 V/m, and UMTS 0.09 V/m. The model underestimated the GSM900 field strengths by 0.07 V/m, and slightly overestimated the UMTS field strengths by 0.01 V/m. NISMap provides a reliable way of assessing environmental RF-EMF exposure for epidemiological studies of RF-EMF and health in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Beekhuizen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Division Environmental Epidemiology, Utrecht University, Jenalaan 18D, 3584 CK, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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