Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and behavioural problems in Bavarian children and adolescents.

European journal of epidemiology · 2010 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 4407

Study snapshot

PublicationEuropean journal of epidemiology · 2010

Study typecross_sectional

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Only few studies have so far investigated possible health effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) in children and adolescents, although experts discuss a potential higher vulnerability to such fields. We aimed to investigate a possible association between measured exposure to RF EMF fields and behavioural problems in children and adolescents. 1,498 children and 1,524 adolescents were randomly selected from the population registries of four Bavarian (South of Germany) cities. During an Interview data on participants' mental health, socio-demographic characteristics and potential confounders were collected. Mental health behaviour was assessed using the German version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Using a personal dosimeter, we obtained radio-frequency EMF exposure profiles over 24 h. Exposure levels over waking hours were expressed as mean percentage of the reference level. Overall, exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields was far below the reference level. Seven percent of the children and 5% of the adolescents showed an abnormal mental behaviour. In the multiple logistic regression analyses measured exposure to RF fields in the highest quartile was associated to overall behavioural problems for adolescents (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1-4.5) but not for children (1.3; 0.7-2.6). These results are mainly driven by one subscale, as the results showed an association between exposure and conduct problems for adolescents (3.7; 1.6-8.4) and children (2.9; 1.4-5.9). As this is one of the first studies that investigated an association between exposure to mobile telecommunication networks and mental health behaviour more studies using personal dosimetry are warranted to confirm these findings.

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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.

Study typecross_sectional

Effect directionmixed

PopulationChildren and adolescents from four Bavarian (South of Germany) cities

Sample size3022

ExposureRF · 24 h personal dosimetry; exposure over waking hours

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In multiple logistic regression analyses, measured RF-EMF exposure in the highest quartile was associated with overall behavioural problems in adolescents (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.5) but not in children (OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.7–2.6). Associations were mainly driven by conduct problems, with higher exposure associated with conduct problems in adolescents (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.6–8.4) and children (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4–5.9). Overall exposure levels were far below the reference level.

Outcomes measured

Behavioural problems / mental health behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ)
Overall behavioural problems
Conduct problems (SDQ subscale)

Limitations

Cross-sectional design (association only; temporality not established)
Exposure characterized over a 24-hour period; may not reflect longer-term exposure
Frequency/SAR and detailed exposure sources not specified in abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cross_sectional",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile telecommunication networks",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "24 h personal dosimetry; exposure over waking hours"
  },
  "population": "Children and adolescents from four Bavarian (South of Germany) cities",
  "sample_size": 3022,
  "outcomes": [
    "Behavioural problems / mental health behaviour (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ)",
    "Overall behavioural problems",
    "Conduct problems (SDQ subscale)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In multiple logistic regression analyses, measured RF-EMF exposure in the highest quartile was associated with overall behavioural problems in adolescents (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.5) but not in children (OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.7–2.6). Associations were mainly driven by conduct problems, with higher exposure associated with conduct problems in adolescents (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.6–8.4) and children (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4–5.9). Overall exposure levels were far below the reference level.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Cross-sectional design (association only; temporality not established)",
    "Exposure characterized over a 24-hour period; may not reflect longer-term exposure",
    "Frequency/SAR and detailed exposure sources not specified in abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radio-frequency electromagnetic fields",
    "RF EMF",
    "personal dosimeter",
    "children",
    "adolescents",
    "behavioural problems",
    "Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire",
    "SDQ",
    "conduct problems",
    "mobile telecommunication networks",
    "Germany",
    "Bavaria"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "mobile-phones-and-health",
      "weight": 0.6,
      "reason": "Study assesses RF-EMF exposure from mobile telecommunication networks using personal dosimetry and behavioral outcomes."
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.1007/s10654-009-9408-x
PubMed: 19960235

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