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Traini E, Smith RB, Vermeulen R, Kromhout H, Schüz J, Feychting M, Auvinen A, Poulsen AH, Deltour I, Muller DC, Heller J, Tettamanti G, Elliott P, Huss A, Toledano MB. Headache in the international cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS) in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118290. [PMID: 38280529 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118290] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Headache is a common condition with a substantial burden of disease worldwide. Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of long-term mobile phone use on headache due to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). We explored prospectively the association between mobile phone use at baseline (2009-2012) and headache at follow-up (2015-2018) by analysing pooled data consisting of the Dutch and UK cohorts of the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) (N = 78,437). Frequency of headache, migraine, and information on mobile phone use, including use of hands-free devices and frequency of texting, were self-reported. We collected objective operator data to obtain regression calibrated estimates of voice call duration. In the model mutually adjusted for call-time and text messaging, participants in the high category of call-time showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.04 (95 % CI: 0.94-1.15), with no clear trend of reporting headache with increasing call-time. However, we found an increased risk of weekly headache (OR = 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.25-1.56) in the high category of text messaging, with a clear increase in reporting headache with increasing texting. Due to the negligible exposure to RF-EMFs from texting, our results suggest that mechanisms other than RF-EMFs are responsible for the increased risk of headache that we found among mobile phone users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Traini
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Rachel B Smith
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Schüz
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - Maria Feychting
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anssi Auvinen
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance, Helsinki, Finland; Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Isabelle Deltour
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - David C Muller
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Joël Heller
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Giorgio Tettamanti
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Elliott
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
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Röösli M, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Eyers J, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Meremikwu M, Bosch-Capblanch X. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A systematic review and meta-analysis on human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108338. [PMID: 38104437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and in industry (RF heaters). OBJECTIVES The objective is to systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole human body radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on the occurrence of symptoms. Primary hypotheses were tinnitus, migraine and headaches in relation to RF-EMF exposure of the brain, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores in relation to whole-body RF-EMF exposure. METHODS Eligibility criteria: We included case-control and prospective cohort studies in the general population or workers estimating local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one week. INFORMATION SOURCES We conducted a systematic literature search in various databases including Web of Science and Medline. Risk of bias: We used the Risk of Bias (RoB) tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS We synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Included studies: We included 13 papers from eight distinct cohort and one case-control studies with a total of 486,558 participants conducted exclusively in Europe. Tinnitus is addressed in three papers, migraine in one, headaches in six, sleep disturbances in five, and composite symptom scores in five papers. Only one study addressed occupational exposure. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS For all five priority hypotheses, available research suggests that RF-EMF exposure below guideline values does not cause symptoms, but the evidence is very uncertain. The very low certainty evidence is due the low number of studies, possible risk of bias in some studies, inconsistencies, indirectness, and imprecision. In terms of non-priority hypotheses numerous exposure-outcome combinations were addressed in the 13 eligible papers without indication for an association related to a specific symptom or exposure source. DISCUSSION Limitations of evidence: This review topic includes various challenges related to confounding control and exposure assessment. Many of these aspects are inherently present and not easy to be solved in future research. Since near-field exposure from wireless communication devices is related to lifestyle, a particular challenge is to differentiate between potential biophysical effects and other potential effects from extensive use of wireless communication devices that may compete with healthy behaviour such as sleeping or physical activity. Future research needs novel and innovative methods to differentiate between these two hypothetical mechanisms. INTERPRETATION This is currently the best available evidence to underpin safety of RF-EMF. There is no indication that RF-EMF below guideline values causes symptoms. However, inherent limitations of the research results in substantial uncertainty. OTHER Funding: This review was partially funded by the WHO radioprotection programme. REGISTRATION The protocol for this review has been registered in Prospero (reg no CRD42021239432) and published in Environment International (Röösli et al., 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, 3ie, c/o LIDC, 20 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2NS, UK
| | - Ekpereonne Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Chioma Moses Oringanje
- Department of Biology, College of Art & Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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Eeftens M, Pujol S, Klaiber A, Chopard G, Riss A, Smayra F, Flückiger B, Gehin T, Diallo K, Wiart J, Mazloum T, Mauny F, Röösli M. The association between real-life markers of phone use and cognitive performance, health-related quality of life and sleep. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116011. [PMID: 37127107 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The real-life short-term implications of electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on cognitive performance and health-related quality of life have not been well studied. The SPUTNIC study (Study Panel on Upcoming Technologies to study Non-Ionizing radiation and Cognition) aimed to investigate possible correlations between mobile phone radiation and human health, including cognition, health-related quality of life and sleep. METHODS Adult participants tracked various daily markers of RF-EMF exposures (cordless calls, mobile calls, and mobile screen time 4 h prior to each assessment) as well as three health outcomes over ten study days: 1) cognitive performance, 2) health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and 3) sleep duration and quality. Cognitive performance was measured through six "game-like" tests, assessing verbal and visuo-spatial performance repeatedly. HRQoL was assessed as fatigue, mood and stress on a Likert-scale (1-10). Sleep duration and efficiency was measured using activity trackers. We fitted mixed models with random intercepts per participant on cognitive, HRQoL and sleep scores. Possible time-varying confounders were assessed at daily intervals by questionnaire and used for model adjustment. RESULTS A total of 121 participants ultimately took part in the SPUTNIC study, including 63 from Besancon and 58 from Basel. Self-reported wireless phone use and screen time were sporadically associated with visuo-spatial and verbal cognitive performance, compatible with chance findings. We found a small but robust significant increase in stress 0.03 (0.00-0.06; on a 1-10 Likert-scale) in relation to a 10-min increase in mobile phone screen time. Sleep duration and quality were not associated with either cordless or mobile phone calls, or with screen time. DISCUSSION The study did not find associations between short-term RF-EMF markers and cognitive performance, HRQoL, or sleep duration and quality. The most consistent finding was increased stress in relation to more screen time, but no association with cordless or mobile phone call time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sophie Pujol
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Aaron Klaiber
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Chopard
- Laboratoire de Recherches Intégratives en Neurosciences et Psychologie Cognitive, Université Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, France
| | - Andrin Riss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Smayra
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Flückiger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Gehin
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Kadiatou Diallo
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Joe Wiart
- Chair C2M, LTCI Télecom ParisTech, Université Paris Saclay, 46 Rue Barrault, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Taghrid Mazloum
- Centre Mémoire de Ressources et de Recherche, Service de Neurologie, CHU de Besançon, France
| | - Frédéric Mauny
- CHU de Besançon, Unité de Méthodologie en Recherche Clinique, Épidémiologie et Santé Publique, INSERM CIC, 1431, Besançon, France; Laboratoire Chrono-Environnement UMR 6249 CNRS / Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Low Evidence for Tinnitus Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:81-94. [PMID: 36380120 PMCID: PMC9971395 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-022-00874-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Identifying risk factors for tinnitus could facilitate not only the recommendations for prevention measures, but also identifying potential pathways for new interventions. This study reports the first comprehensive systematic review of analytical observational studies able to provide information about causality (i.e., case-control and cohort designs). METHODS A literature search of four electronic databases identified epidemiological studies published on tinnitus and different exposures. Independent raters screened all studies, extracted data, and evaluated study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Reported relative risks (RR), hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compute crude estimates of RR for tinnitus risk factors. RESULTS From 2389 records identified, a total of 374 articles were read as full text (24 reviews, 301 cross-sectional studies, 42 cohort studies, and 7 case-control studies). However, from 49 case-control and cohort studies, only 25 adequately reported risk ratios. Using the findings from these studies, positive causal associations were found for various hearing-related factors (i.e., unspecified hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, occupational noise exposure, ototoxic platinum therapy, and otitis media). Evidence was also found for a number of non-otological risk factors including temporo-mandibular joint disorder, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hyperlipidemia. Negative associations indicating preventative effects were found for diabetes and high alcohol consumption. No associations were found for low alcohol consumption, body mass index, head injury, heart failure, hypertension, leisure noise exposure, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, sex, smoking, stroke, and whiplash. However, with the exception of unspecified hearing loss, these findings resulted from pooling no more than 4 studies, illustrating that the vast majority of the associations still remain inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS These systematic review and meta-analysis confirm a number of otological and non-otological risk factors for tinnitus. By highlighting major gaps in knowledge, our synthesis can help provide direction for future research that will shed light on the pathophysiology, improve management strategies, and inform more effective preventions.
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Kwon M, Jung YC, Lee D, Ahn J. Mental Health Problems During COVID-19 and Attitudes Toward Digital Therapeutics. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:52-61. [PMID: 36721886 PMCID: PMC9890043 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0150] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate public mental health problems and associated factors during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Furthermore, we evaluated people's attitudes toward digital therapeutics during the pandemic. METHODS Data was collected online from participants, aged between 20-50 without any history of mental illness, from June 1st to June 30th 2021. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographics, changes during pandemic and attitude towards digital therapeutics, and mental health measures. RESULTS Among the total of 445 participants, 49.2% reported significant level of stress and 13.5% and 7.0% met the screening criteria for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, respectively. Significant predictive factors for mental health problems were-younger age group, female sex, currently being treated for medical or surgical disease, change in the amount of time spent on mobile device or computer after pandemic, change in household income, and change in work environment due to pandemic. Furthermore, 35.1% of participants, considered psychiatric consultation, at least slightly, but were hesitant to receive it due to the fear of contacting COVID-19 at the clinics. Instead, 54.4% of them preferred using digital therapeutics as an alternative to visiting offline clinics. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that COVID-19 increased mental health problems along with access problems and identified their predictive factors. Digital therapeutics emerged as a viable solution to mental health problems and it was well-received by those in need of psychiatric consultation. Therefore, development and implementation of digital therapeutics should be considered to improve the mental health of people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjae Kwon
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chul Jung
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deokjong Lee
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeun Ahn
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Taziki Balajelini MH, Mohammadi M, Rajabi A. Association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:501-508. [PMID: 34293837 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether a possible association of mobile phone use with hearing impairment was conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. CONTENT This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was carried out based on the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) methodology using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, OVID, and Cochrane. The Robins-I tool was used for quality assessment and risk of bias. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles. Pooled effect size was calculated and meta-analysis was performed to compute an overall effect size. SUMMARY Overall, five relevant studies (two cross-sectional and three cohort studies) with 92,978 participants were included in the analysis. The studies were stratified by design, there was no significant association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment in cross-sectional studies (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.57-1.31) and cohort studies (OR=1.09, 95% CI=0.93-1.25). In addition, the effect estimates did not differ significantly between cross-sectional and cohort studies (Q=0.50, p=0.48). Overall, the pooled odds ratio (OR) of hearing impairment was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94-1.20), which indicates no significant association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment. OUTLOOK Our findings indicate no association between mobile phone use and hearing impairment. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Medical Librarianship and Information Sciences, Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Abdolhalim Rajabi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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Farashi S, Bashirian S, Khazaei S, Khazaei M, Farhadinasab A. Reply to letter to the Editor. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1915-1920. [PMID: 35639154 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01891-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Farashi
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. .,Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Saeid Bashirian
- Health Sciences and Technology Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Public Health, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Salman Khazaei
- Health Sciences and Technology Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Khazaei
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Farhadinasab
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Leszczynski D. Review of the scientific evidence on the individual sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EHS). REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:423-450. [PMID: 34229366 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0038] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Part of the population considers themselves as sensitive to the man-made electromagnetic radiation (EMF) emitted by powerlines, electric wiring, electric home appliance and the wireless communication devices and networks. Sensitivity is characterized by a broad variety of non-specific symptoms that the sensitive people claim to experience when exposed to EMF. While the experienced symptoms are currently considered as a real life impairment, the factor causing these symptoms remains unclear. So far, scientists were unable to find causality link between symptoms experienced by sensitive persons and the exposures to EMF. However, as presented in this review, the executed to-date scientific studies, examining sensitivity to EMF, are of poor quality to find the link between EMF exposures and sensitivity symptoms of some people. It is logical to consider that the sensitivity to EMF exists but the scientific methodology used to find it is of insufficient quality. It is time to drop out psychology driven provocation studies that ask about feelings-based non-specific symptoms experienced by volunteers under EMF exposure. Such research approach produces only subjective and therefore highly unreliable data that is insufficient to prove, or to disprove, causality link between EHS and EMF. There is a need for a new direction in studying sensitivity to EMF. The basis for it is the notion of a commonly known phenomenon of individual sensitivity, where individuals' responses to EMF depend on the genetic and epigenetic properties of the individual. It is proposed here that new studies, combining provocation approach, where volunteers are exposed to EMF, and high-throughput technologies of transcriptomics and proteomics are used to generate objective data, detecting molecular level biochemical responses of human body to EMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Leszczynski
- Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Belpomme D, Irigaray P. Why electrohypersensitivity and related symptoms are caused by non-ionizing man-made electromagnetic fields: An overview and medical assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113374. [PMID: 35537497 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Much of the controversy over the cause of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) lies in the absence of recognized clinical and biological criteria for a widely accepted diagnosis. However, there are presently sufficient data for EHS to be acknowledged as a distinctly well-defined and objectively characterized neurologic pathological disorder. Because we have shown that 1) EHS is frequently associated with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in EHS patients, and 2) that both individualized disorders share a common pathophysiological mechanism for symptom occurrence; it appears that EHS and MCS can be identified as a unique neurologic syndrome, regardless their causal origin. In this overview we distinguish the etiology of EHS itself from the environmental causes that trigger pathophysiological changes and clinical symptoms after EHS has occurred. Contrary to present scientifically unfounded claims, we indubitably refute the hypothesis of a nocebo effect to explain the genesis of EHS and its presentation. We as well refute the erroneous concept that EHS could be reduced to a vague and unproven "functional impairment". To the contrary, we show here there are objective pathophysiological changes and health effects induced by electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in EHS patients and most of all in healthy subjects, meaning that excessive non-thermal anthropogenic EMFs are strongly noxious for health. In this overview and medical assessment we focus on the effects of extremely low frequencies, wireless communications radiofrequencies and microwaves EMF. We discuss how to better define and characterize EHS. Taken into consideration the WHO proposed causality criteria, we show that EHS is in fact causally associated with increased exposure to man-made EMF, and in some cases to marketed environmental chemicals. We therefore appeal to all governments and international health institutions, particularly the WHO, to urgently consider the growing EHS-associated pandemic plague, and to acknowledge EHS as a mainly new real EMF causally-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- Medical Oncology Department, Paris University, Paris, France; European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Irigaray
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), Brussels, Belgium
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10
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Feng Z, Diao Y, Ma H, Liu M, Long M, Zhao S, Wu H, Wang Y. Mobile phone addiction and depression among Chinese medical students: the mediating role of sleep quality and the moderating role of peer relationships. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:567. [PMID: 35999533 PMCID: PMC9396829 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04183-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature has shown that mobile phone addiction is an important risk factor for depression. However, the internal mechanisms of mobile phone addiction leading to depression are still not clear. This study examined the mediating role of sleep quality and moderating role of peer relationships in the association between mobile phone addiction and depression. A sample of 450 Chinese medical students were recruited to complete measures of mobile phone addiction, depression, sleep quality and peer relationships. In this study, SPSS 25.0 and macro PROCESS were used to conduct statistical analysis on the collected data. The results showed that sleep quality partially mediated the association between mobile phone addiction and depression. Moreover, the effect of sleep quality on depression was moderated by peer relationships. The present study can advance our understanding of how and when mobile phone addiction leads to depression. Limitations and implications of this study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Feng
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Yucong Diao
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Hongfei Ma
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Minghui Liu
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Meijun Long
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Hui Wu
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122 PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, College of Health Management, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, PR China.
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11
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Jalilian H, Dongus S, Bosch-Capblanch X, Röösli M. Letter to the Editor "Mobile phone electromagnetic radiation and the risk of headache: a systematic review and meta‑analysis". Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1913-1914. [PMID: 35639153 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Jalilian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123, Allschwil, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
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Adamczewska-Chmiel K, Dudzic K, Chmiela T, Gorzkowska A. Smartphones, the Epidemic of the 21st Century: A Possible Source of Addictions and Neuropsychiatric Consequences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095152. [PMID: 35564547 PMCID: PMC9099766 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Phonoholism is the excessive and harmful use of a smartphone. We are now observing this phenomenon among adults more often. Using a smartphone for several hours may lead to somatic and psychological symptoms, such as headaches and depression. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of phonoholism and to assess the association between smartphone overuse and neuropsychiatric disorders. Materials and Methods: A total of 368 people (70.1% were woman), aged between 19 and 82 years (average age 26.1), took part in an anonymous questionnaire consisting of the following elements: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS-9), and original questions regarding headaches and sleep quality, along with a subjective assessment of the use of smartphones and an objective evaluation based on data from the applications “Stay Free” and “Screen Time”. Results: A total of 61 respondents (16.6%) obtained a score on the MPPUS-9 scale, which revealed their problematic use of mobile devices. Patients with phonoholism had significantly more headaches (85% vs. 58.7%, p = 0.027). Subjects with phonoholism had significantly shorter mean sleep duration (7.14 h vs. 7.42 h, p = 0.0475) and were less likely to feel sleepy during the day (43.33% vs. 59.73%, p = 0.0271). The group with phonoholism had significantly higher scores on the HADS-A anxiety scale (8.29 vs. 10.9, p = 0.015), but a statistical significance was not confirmed for depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The excessive use of the telephone negatively affects both somatic and mental health and can pose a significant clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Adamczewska-Chmiel
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Dudzic
- Students’ Scientific Association, Department of Neurorehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Chmiela
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Agnieszka Gorzkowska
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
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13
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Impacts of Smartphone Radiation on Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08915. [PMID: 35155842 PMCID: PMC8823972 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of people's lives, with many tasks and services now being delivered online in the aim of reducing contact and preventing further transmission of the disease. This has resulted in the increase in the use of portable electronic devices (i.e., mobile phones, smartphones, laptops), which emit different frequencies of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation. However, the evidence on the harmful impacts of EMF radiation exposure on the human body, particularly on the abdomen of the female body during pregnancy, is scarce. Further, the related studies in the literature have yet to be systematically reviewed. If unmanaged, the absorption of EMF radiation by the maternal abdomen during pregnancy is associated with serious birth and infant outcomes. Purpose This study aimed to systematically review the published studies on the direct effects of EMF radiation emitted from mobile phones on pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes. Methods After a systematic search using the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 18 articles were retrieved from 5 databases. Studies which addressed the negative outcomes of EMF radiation exposure on mothers, adults, and children's health were included. The research articles were then sorted based on whether their findings were related to the impacts of EMF on physiological or pregnancy outcomes. Results The findings of this review showed that EMF radiation exposure is associated with hormonal, thermal, and cardiovascular changes among adults. However, the reviewed studies did not consider the impacts of EMF radiation exposure on pregnancy outcomes specifically, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions from this review. Only four of the reviewed studies were conducted among pregnant women. These studies reported that EMF radiation exposure during pregnancy is associated with miscarriages and fluctuations in the fetal temperature and heart rate variability, as well as infant anthropometric measures. Conclusions More research should be conducted to identify the specific impacts of EMF radiation exposure on pregnancy, birth, and infant outcomes. Healthcare providers and researchers are recommended to collaborate to improve public health through public education and updated organizational policies to limit these environmental risks by encouraging the use of safe technologies.
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14
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Mobile phone electromagnetic radiation and the risk of headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1587-1601. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01835-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Hinrikus H, Koppel T, Lass J, Orru H, Roosipuu P, Bachmann M. Possible health effects on the human brain by various generations of mobile telecommunication: a review based estimation of 5G impact. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1210-1221. [PMID: 34995145 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2026516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The deployment of new 5G NR technology has significantly raised public concerns in possible negative effects on human health by radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF). The current review is aimed to clarify the differences between possible health effects caused by the various generations of telecommunication technology, especially discussing and projecting possible health effects by 5G. The review of experimental studies on the human brain over the last fifteen years and the discussion on physical mechanisms and factors determining the dependence of the RF EMF effects on frequency and signal structure have been performed to discover and explain the possible distinctions between health effects by different telecommunication generations. CONCLUSIONS The human experimental studies on RF EMF effects on the human brain by 2G, 3G and 4G at frequencies from 450 to 2500 MHz were available for analyses. The search for publications indicated no human experimental studies by 5G nor at the RF EMF frequencies higher than 2500 MHz. The results of the current review demonstrate no consistent relationship between the character of RF EMF effects and parameters of exposure by different generations (2G, 3G, 4G) of telecommunication technology. At the RF EMF frequencies lower than 10 GHz, the impact of 5G NR FR1 should have no principal differences compared to the previous generations. The radio frequencies used in 5G are even higher and the penetration depths of the fields are smaller, therefore the effect is rather lower than at previous generations. At the RF EMF frequencies higher than 10 GHz, the mechanism of the effects might differ and the impact of 5G NR FR2 becomes unpredictable. Existing knowledge about the mechanism of RF EMF effects at millimeter waves lacks sufficient experimental data and theoretical models for reliable conclusions. The insufficient knowledge about the possible health effects at millimeter waves and the lack of in vivo experimental studies on 5G NR underline an urgent need for the theoretical and experimental investigations of health effects by 5G NR, especially by 5G NR FR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiie Hinrikus
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Hans Orru
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Priit Roosipuu
- Thomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Maie Bachmann
- Department of Health Technologies, School of Information Technologies, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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Röösli M, Hahad O, Dongus S, Loizeau N, Daiber A, Münzel T, Eeftens M. Gesundheitsrisiko Mobilfunkstrahlung? Was ändert sich mit 5G? AKTUELLE KARDIOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1545-0875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungDie Exposition der Bevölkerung durch hochfrequente elektromagnetische Felder (HF-EMF) wird durch die körpernahe Nutzung von drahtlosen Kommunikationsgeräten dominiert. Die Exposition durch körperferne Sendeanlagen liegt im Durchschnitt mehrere Größenordnungen unterhalb der internationalen Richtwerte. Mit der zunehmenden mobilen Datennutzung und der damit verbundenen Nutzung von höheren Frequenzen für 5G ist mit einer Verdichtung des Mobilfunknetzes zu rechnen. Damit steigt aber nicht notgedrungen die HF-EMF-Gesamtexposition der Bevölkerung, da Mobiltelefone bei besserer Signalqualität weniger stark emittieren. 5G ist eine technologische Weiterentwicklung der bisherigen Mobilfunktechnologie mit gleichen biophysikalischen Eigenschaften. Bisher konnten keine gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen unterhalb der Richtwerte konsistent nachgewiesen werden. Beobachtete biologische Effekte wie beispielsweise auf die elektrische Aktivität des Gehirns oder auf das oxidative
Gleichgewicht bei hoher lokaler Exposition im Bereich der Expositionsrichtwerte stellen nach heutigem Kenntnisstand kein Gesundheitsrisiko dar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, Basel, Schweiz
- Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Omar Hahad
- Zentrum für Kardiologie, Kardiologie I, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Standort Rhein-Main, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, Basel, Schweiz
- Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Nicolas Loizeau
- Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, Basel, Schweiz
- Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Andreas Daiber
- Zentrum für Kardiologie, Kardiologie I, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Standort Rhein-Main, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Münzel
- Zentrum für Kardiologie, Kardiologie I, Universitätsmedizin der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Standort Rhein-Main, Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut, Basel, Schweiz
- Universität Basel, Basel, Schweiz
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17
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Röösli M, Dongus S, Jalilian H, Feychting M, Eyers J, Esu E, Oringanje CM, Meremikwu M, Bosch-Capblanch X. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review on human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106852. [PMID: 34500362 PMCID: PMC8484767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applications emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; 100 kHz to 300 GHz) are widely used for communication (e.g. mobile phones), in medicine (diathermy) and in industry (RF heaters). Concern has been raised that RF-EMF exposure affects health related quality of life, because a part of the population reports to experience a variety of symptoms related to low exposure levels below regulatory limits. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the effects of longer-term or repeated local and whole human body RF-EMF exposure on the occurrence of symptoms evaluating migraine, tinnitus, headaches, sleep disturbances and composite symptom scores as primary outcomes. METHODS We will follow the WHO handbook for guideline development. For the development of the systematic review protocol we considered handbook for conducting systematic reviews for health effects evaluations from the National Toxicology Program-Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP-OHAT) and COSTER (Recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews in toxicology and environmental health research). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Peer-reviewed epidemiological studies in the general population or workers aiming to investigate the association between local or whole-body RF-EMF exposure for at least one week and symptoms are eligible for inclusion. Only cohort, case-control and panel studies will be included. INFORMATION SOURCES We will search the scientific literature databases Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and Embase, using a predefined search strategy. This search will be supplemented by a search in the EMF-Portal and checks of reference lists of relevant papers and reviews. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHOD Data from included papers will be extracted according to predefined forms. Findings will be summarized in tables, graphical displays and in a narrative synthesis of the available evidence, complemented with meta-analyses. We will separately review effects of local, far field and occupational exposure. RISK OF BIAS The internal validity of included studies will be assessed using the NTP-OHAT Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies, elaborated to observational RF-EMF studies. EVIDENCE APPRAISAL To rate certainty of the evidence, we will use the OHAT GRADE-based approach for epidemiological studies. FRAMEWORK AND FUNDING This protocol concerns one of the ten different systematic reviews considered in a larger systematic review of the World Health Organization to assess potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF in the general and working population. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021239432.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hamed Jalilian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Faculty of Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, 3ie, c/o LIDC, 20 Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2NS, United Kingdom.
| | - Ekpereonne Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Chioma Moses Oringanje
- Department of Biology, College of Art & Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Xavier Bosch-Capblanch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Lagorio S, Blettner M, Baaken D, Feychting M, Karipidis K, Loney T, Orsini N, Röösli M, Paulo MS, Elwood M. The effect of exposure to radiofrequency fields on cancer risk in the general and working population: A protocol for a systematic review of human observational studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106828. [PMID: 34433115 PMCID: PMC8484862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) has an ongoing project to assess potential health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in the general and working population. Here we present the protocol for a systematic review of the scientific literature on cancer hazards from exposure to RF-EMF in humans, commissioned by the WHO as part of that project. OBJECTIVE To assess the quality and strength of the evidence provided by human observational studies for a causal association between exposure to RF-EMF and risk of neoplastic diseases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We will include cohort and case-control studies investigating neoplasia risks in relation to three types of exposure to RF-EMF: near-field, head-localized, exposure from wireless phone use (SR-A); far-field, whole body, environmental exposure from fixed-site transmitters (SR-B); near/far-field occupational exposures from use of handheld transceivers or RF-emitting equipment in the workplace (SR-C). While no restriction on tumour type will be applied, we will focus on selected neoplasms of the central nervous system (brain, meninges, pituitary gland, acoustic nerve) and salivary gland tumours (SR-A); brain tumours and leukaemias (SR-B, SR-C). INFORMATION SOURCES Eligible studies will be identified through Medline, Embase, and EMF-Portal. RISK-OF-BIAS ASSESSMENT We will use a tailored version of the OHAT's tool to evaluate the study's internal validity. DATA SYNTHESIS We will consider separately studies on different tumours, neoplasm-specific risks from different exposure sources, and a given exposure-outcome pair in adults and children. When a quantitative synthesis of findings can be envisaged, the main aims of the meta-analysis will be to assess the strength of association and the shape of the exposure-response relationship; to quantify the degree of heterogeneity across studies; and explore the sources of inconsistency (if any). When a meta-analysis is judged inappropriate, we will perform a narrative synthesis, complemented by a structured tabulation of results and appropriate visual displays. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT Confidence in evidence will be assessed in line with the GRADE approach. FUNDING This project is supported by the World Health Organization. Co-financing was provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Health; the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in its capacity as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Radiation and Health; ARPANSA as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Radiation Protection. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021236798.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Lagorio
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Blettner
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University of Mainz, Germany.
| | - Dan Baaken
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University of Mainz, Germany.
| | - Maria Feychting
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ken Karipidis
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), Yallambie, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Nicola Orsini
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marilia Silva Paulo
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Huss A, Dongus S, Aminzadeh R, Thielens A, van den Bossche M, Van Torre P, de Seze R, Cardis E, Eeftens M, Joseph W, Vermeulen R, Röösli M. Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: Comparison of exposimeters with a novel body-worn distributed meter. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106711. [PMID: 34153890 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is often measured with personal exposimeters, but the accuracy of measurements can be hampered as carrying the devices on-body may result in body shielding. Further, the compact design may compromise the frequency selectivity of the sensor. The aim of this study was to compare measurements obtained using a multi-band body-worn distributed-exposimeter (BWDM) with two commercially available personal exposimeters (ExpoM-RF and EmeSpy 200) under real-life conditions. METHODS The BWDM measured power density in 10 frequency bands (800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz, DECT 1900 MHz, WiFi 2.4 GHz; with separate uplink/downlink bands for 900, 1800 and 2100 MHz); using 20 separate antennas integrated in a vest and placed on diametrically opposite locations on the body, to minimize body-shielding. RF-EMF exposure data were collected from several microenvironments (e.g. shopping areas, train stations, outdoor rural/ urban residential environments, etc.) by walking around pre-defined areas/routes in Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Measurements were taken every 1-4 s with the BWDM in parallel with an ExpoM-RF and an EmeSpy 200 exposimeter. We calculated medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) and compared difference, ratios and correlations of geometric mean RF-EMF exposure levels per microenvironment as measured with the exposimeters and the BWDM. RESULTS Across 267 microenvironments, medians and IQR of total BWDM measured RF-EMF exposure was 0.13 (0.05-0.33) mW/m2. Difference: IQR of exposimeters minus BWDM exposure levels was -0.011 (-0.049 to 0.0095) mW/m2 for the ExpoM-RF and -0.056 (-0.14 to -0.017) for the EmeSpy 200; ratios (exposimeter/BWDM) of total exposure had an IQR of 0.79 (0.55-1.1) for the ExpoM-RF and 0.29 (0.22-0.38) for the EmeSpy 200. Spearman correlations were 0.93 for the ExpoM-RF vs the BWDM and 0.96 for the EmeSpy 200 vs the BWDM. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that exposimeters worn on-body provide somewhat lower total RF-EMF exposure as compared to measurements conducted with the BWDM, in line with effects from body shielding. Ranking of exposure levels of microenvironments showed high correspondence between the different device types. Our results are informative for the interpretation of existing epidemiological research results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Huss
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Stefan Dongus
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Reza Aminzadeh
- Department of Information Technology, WAVES, Ghent University / IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arno Thielens
- Department of Information Technology, WAVES, Ghent University / IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Van Torre
- Department of Information Technology, IDLab, Ghent University / IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - René de Seze
- TEAM/PERITOX UMR I-01, National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks, Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Elisabeth Cardis
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marloes Eeftens
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wout Joseph
- Department of Information Technology, WAVES, Ghent University / IMEC, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Tyagi A, Prasad AK, Bhatia D. Effects of excessive use of mobile phone technology in India on human health during COVID-19 lockdown. TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY 2021; 67:101762. [PMID: 34566205 PMCID: PMC8456111 DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The global health crisis in the form of COVID-19 has forced people to shift their routine activities into a remote environment with the help of technology. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has caused several organizations to be shut down and forced them to initiate work from home employing technology. Now more than ever, it's important for people and institutions to understand the impact of excessive use of mobile phone technology and electronic gadgets on human health, cognition, and behavior. It is important to understand their perspective and how individuals are coping with this challenge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation is an effort to answer the research question: whether dependency on technology during lockdown has more effects on human health in comparison to normal times. METHODS The study included participants from India (n = 122). A questionnaire was framed and the mode of conducting the survey chosen was online to maintain social distancing during the time of the Pandemic. The gathered data was statistically analysed employing RStudio and multiple regression techniques. RESULTS The statistical analysis confirms that lockdown scenarios have led to an increase in the usage of mobile phone technology which has been confirmed by around 90% of participants. Moreover, 95% of the participants perceive an increased risk of developing certain health problems due to excessive usage of mobile phones and technology. It has been evaluated that participants under the age group 15-30 years are highly affected (45.9%) during lockdown due to excessive dependence on technology. And, amongst different professions, participants involved in online teaching-learning are the most affected (42.6%). CONCLUSION The findings indicate that dependency on technology during lockdown has more health effects as compared to normal times. So, it is suggested that as more waves of pandemics are being predicted, strategies should be planned to decrease the psychological and physiological effects of the overuse of technology during lockdown due to pandemics. As the lockdown situation unfolds, people and organization functioning styles should be rolled back to the limited dependency on technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Tyagi
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College, Ghaziabad, 201009, India
| | - Anoop Kumar Prasad
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Royal School of Engineering and Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Dinesh Bhatia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, Meghalaya, India
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21
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Hinrikus H, Lass J, Bachmann M. Threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field effect on human brain. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:1505-1515. [PMID: 34402382 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to estimate the threshold of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) effects on human brain based on analyses of published research results. To clarify the threshold of the RF EMF effects, two approaches have been applied: (1) the analyses of restrictions in sensitivity for different steps of the physical model of low-level RF EMF mechanism and (2) the analyses of experimental data to clarify the dependence of the RF EMF effect on exposure level based on the results of published original neurophysiological and behavioral human studies for 15 years 2007-2021. CONCLUSIONS The analyses of the physical model of nonthermal mechanisms of RF EMF effect leads to conclusion that no principal threshold of the effect can be determined. According to the review of experimental data, the rate of detected RF EMF effects is 76.7% in resting EEG studies, 41.7% in sleep EEG and 38.5% in behavioral studies. The changes in EEG probably appear earlier than alterations in behavior become evident. The lowest level of RF EMF at which the effect in EEG was detected is 2.45 V/m (SAR = 0.003 W/kg). There is a preliminary indication that the dependence of the effect on the level of exposure follows rather field strength than SAR alterations. However, no sufficient data are available for clarifying linearity-nonlinearity of the dependence of effect on the level of RF EMF. The finding that only part of people are sensitive to RF EMF exposure can be related to immunity to radiation or hypersensitivity. The changes in EEG caused by RF EMF appeared similar in the majority of analyzed studies and similar to these in depression. The possible causal relationship between RF EMF effect and depression among young people is highly important problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaanus Lass
- Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
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22
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López I, Félix N, Rivera M, Alonso A, Maestú C. What is the radiation before 5G? A correlation study between measurements in situ and in real time and epidemiological indicators in Vallecas, Madrid. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110734. [PMID: 33434609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure of the general population to electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone base stations is one of the greater concerns of residents affected by the proximity of these structures due to the possible relationship between radiated levels and health indicators. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to find a possible relationship between some health indicators and electromagnetic radiation measurements. METHODS A total of 268 surveys, own design, were completed by residents of a Madrid neighborhood surrounded by nine telephone antennas, and 105 measurements of electromagnetic radiation were taken with a spectrum analyzer and an isotropic antenna, in situ and in real - time, both outside and inside the houses. RESULTS It was shown statistically significant p - values in headaches presence (p = 0.010), nightmares (p = 0.001), headache intensity (p < 0.001), dizziness frequency (p = 0.011), instability episodes frequency (p = 0.026), number of hours that one person sleeps per day (p < 0.001) and three of nine parameters studied from tiredness. Concerning cancer, there are 5.6% of cancer cases in the study population, a percentage 10 times higher than that of the total Spanish population. DISCUSSION People who are exposed to higher radiation values present more severe headaches, dizziness and nightmares. Moreover, they sleep fewer hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel López
- Polytechnic University of Madrid, UPM, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Marco Rivera
- Biomedical Technology Center, CTB, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ceferino Maestú
- Biomedical Technology Center, CTB, Madrid, Spain; CIBER - BBN, Spain
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23
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Kacprzyk A, Stefura T, Krzysztofik M, Rok T, Rokita E, Tatoń G. The Impact of Mobile Phone Use on Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bioelectromagnetics 2021; 42:105-114. [PMID: 33440459 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the absence of an external source. The aim of our study was to investigate with a meta-analytical approach, whether mobile phone (MP) use increases the risk of tinnitus. Eight studies reporting the risk of tinnitus in relation to MP use were identified, and six high-quality studies (two cohort studies, one case-control study, and three cross-sectional ones) were included in the meta-analysis. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The risk of tinnitus was analyzed depending on the exposure to MPs in subgroups according to the study design and method of exposure assessment. Two cohort studies, which assessed the exposure to MPs using network operator data, indicated no significantly increased risk of tinnitus among highly exposed MP users in comparison to lightly exposed individuals (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-1.15]). Likewise, the self-reported exposure data from two cohorts/case-control and four cross-sectional studies did not find an association between exposure to MPs and tinnitus (OR: 1.20 [95% CI: 0.40-3.61] and OR: 1.73 [95% CI: 0.67-4.49], respectively). Current scientific knowledge, including high-quality studies with a reliable exposure assessment based on network operator data, does not support the hypothesis that MP use is associated with tinnitus. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Kacprzyk
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland.,Doctoral School in Medical and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | | | | | - Tomasz Rok
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Eugeniusz Rokita
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Tatoń
- Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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24
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Ghavamabadi L, Dehaghi B, Ghamar A, Latifi S. Exposure to electromagnetic fields and users' health. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/iahs.iahs_181_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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25
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Tettamanti G, Auvinen A, Åkerstedt T, Kojo K, Ahlbom A, Heinävaara S, Elliott P, Schüz J, Deltour I, Kromhout H, Toledano MB, Poulsen AH, Johansen C, Vermeulen R, Feychting M, Hillert L. Long-term effect of mobile phone use on sleep quality: Results from the cohort study of mobile phone use and health (COSMOS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 140:105687. [PMID: 32276731 PMCID: PMC7272128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure (RF-EMF) from mobile phone use on sleep quality has mainly been investigated in cross-sectional studies. The few previous prospective cohort studies found no or inconsistent associations, but had limited statistical power and short follow-up. In this large prospective cohort study, our aim was to estimate the effect of RF-EMF from mobile phone use on different sleep outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included Swedish (n = 21,049) and Finnish (n = 3120) participants enrolled in the Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) with information about operator-recorded mobile phone use at baseline and sleep outcomes both at baseline and at the 4-year follow-up. Sleep disturbance, sleep adequacy, daytime somnolence, sleep latency, and insomnia were assessed using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) sleep questionnaire. RESULTS Operator-recorded mobile phone use at baseline was not associated with most of the sleep outcomes. For insomnia, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.24, 95% CI 1.03-1.51 was observed in the highest decile of mobile phone call-time (>258 min/week). With weights assigned to call-time to account for the lower RF-EMF exposure from Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS, 3G) than from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G) the OR was 1.09 (95% CI 0.89-1.33) in the highest call-time decile. CONCLUSION Insomnia was slightly more common among mobile phone users in the highest call-time category, but adjustment for the considerably lower RF-EMF exposure from the UMTS than the GSM network suggests that this association is likely due to other factors associated with mobile phone use than RF-EMF. No association was observed for other sleep outcomes. In conclusion, findings from this study do not support the hypothesis that RF-EMF from mobile phone use has long-term effects on sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Tettamanti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anssi Auvinen
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland; Tampere University, Faculty of Social Sciences/Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Torbjörn Åkerstedt
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Stress Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Kojo
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anders Ahlbom
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sirpa Heinävaara
- STUK - Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Environmental Radiation Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness, Helsinki, Finland; Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paul Elliott
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joachim Schüz
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Radiation Section, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Deltour
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Radiation Section, Lyon, France
| | - Hans Kromhout
- University of Utrecht, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mireille B Toledano
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Christoffer Johansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark; CASTLE Cancer Late Effect Research Oncology Clinic, Center for Surgery and Cancer, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- University of Utrecht, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lena Hillert
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Gao P, Zheng FZ, He MD, Li M, Deng P, Zhou Z, Yu ZP, Zhang L. An Experimental Study of Effects of Media Implication on Self-Report Symptoms Related With MP Use. Front Public Health 2020; 8:175. [PMID: 32478030 PMCID: PMC7237582 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Along with gradually increases in mobile phone (MP) use, the mass media has played a vital role in informing the public regarding the potential health hazards of MP use. These media warnings have prompted public worries about health. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of media warnings about the possible health hazards of MP use on self-reported symptoms. Participants were 703 undergraduate students who volunteered to take part in an experimental study between August 2013 and July 2015. After completing baseline questionnaires containing information on demographics, MP usage and possible confounding variables, the participants were randomly clustered assigned to a video treatment group (watching a 5-min video about the possible health hazards of MP use) or a control group. Then, they completed another set of questionnaires containing 6 self-reported physical symptoms and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Chi-squared tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests and logistic regression models were applied in the data analysis. Participants in the video group reported significantly more frequent headache (P = 0.01), fatigue (P = 0.00), memory loss (P = 0.03), inattention (P = 0.00), and higher level of depression (P = 0.05) than those in the control group. Additionally, the prevalence of memory loss (β = 0.071, P = 0.03) and inattention (β = 0.110, P = 0.00) were significantly higher in participants with higher level of depression who watched the video. Media warnings about the possible health hazards of MP use promote people to report physical symptoms and psychological problems. Considering this tendency, more moderate and scientific media information is needed to alleviate public worries about MP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei-Zhou Zheng
- General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Min-Di He
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Deng
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Ping Yu
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, Key Laboratory of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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