Are electromagnetic fields in incubators a risk factor for autism?
← Research streamThe authors suggest that high electromagnetic fields produced by an incubator's electric engine may expose babies in incubators to a risk of developing autistic traits.
Study snapshot
Abstract
Are electromagnetic fields in incubators a risk factor for autism? Bellieni CV, Buonocore G. Acta Paediatr. Are electromagnetic fields in incubators a risk factor for autism? 2017 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/apa.14001. Abstract Hugo Lagercrantz recently argued (1) that a possible cause of infantile autism was the unnatural isolation that babies experienced in neonatal incubators. Atypical brain connectivity has been detected in children with autism and it is possible that this may be also due to environmental factors, including the lack of physiological stimuli that is typically found in the incubator environment. We suggest that also another factor may expose babies in incubators to the risk of developing autistic traits and that is the high electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by the incubator's electric engine. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
AI evidence extraction
Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.
Main findings
The authors suggest that high electromagnetic fields produced by an incubator's electric engine may expose babies in incubators to a risk of developing autistic traits.
Outcomes measured
- autism
- autistic traits
Limitations
- Appears to be a hypothesis/commentary rather than an empirical study (no methods, measurements, or results reported in the abstract).
- No quantitative exposure characterization (frequency, field strength, duration) provided.
- No sample size or statistical analysis reported.
View raw extracted JSON
{
"study_type": "other",
"exposure": {
"band": null,
"source": "neonatal incubator electric engine",
"frequency_mhz": null,
"sar_wkg": null,
"duration": null
},
"population": "babies in neonatal incubators",
"sample_size": null,
"outcomes": [
"autism",
"autistic traits"
],
"main_findings": "The authors suggest that high electromagnetic fields produced by an incubator's electric engine may expose babies in incubators to a risk of developing autistic traits.",
"effect_direction": "unclear",
"limitations": [
"Appears to be a hypothesis/commentary rather than an empirical study (no methods, measurements, or results reported in the abstract).",
"No quantitative exposure characterization (frequency, field strength, duration) provided.",
"No sample size or statistical analysis reported."
],
"evidence_strength": "insufficient",
"confidence": 0.66,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "unknown",
"keywords": [
"incubator",
"neonatal",
"electromagnetic fields",
"EMF",
"autism",
"autistic traits"
],
"suggested_hubs": [
{
"slug": "infant-health",
"weight": 0.55,
"reason": "Focuses on neonatal incubator environment and potential developmental outcomes."
},
{
"slug": "rf-health-effects",
"weight": 0.25,
"reason": "Discusses EMF exposure as a potential risk factor, though band/frequency not specified."
}
]
}AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Identifiers and source
DOI: 10.1111/apa.14001
PubMed: Not supplied
Related papers
- Reduction of exposure of newborns and caregivers to very high electromagnetic fields produced by incubators. 2005
- Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations 2024
- How to Control Exposure to Fifth-Generation Radiofrequencies in Preterm Newborns in Incubator 2023
- Radiofrequency exposure in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit 2017
- Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants 2017
- Radiofrequency exposure in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit. 2017