Actual and perceived exposure to electromagnetic fields and non-specific physical symptoms: an epidemiological study based on self-reported data and electronic medical records.

International journal of hygiene and environmental health · 2015 · Mixed · Moderate evidence

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MixedModerate evidencePaper 4794

Study snapshot

PublicationInternational journal of hygiene and environmental health · 2015

Study typecohort

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is continuing scientific debate and increasing public concern regarding the possible effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on general population's health. To date, no epidemiological study has investigated the possible association between actual and perceived EMF exposure and non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) and sleep quality, using both self-reported and general practice (GP)-registered data. METHODS: A health survey of adult (≥ 18) participants (n=5933) in the Netherlands was combined with the electronic medical records (EMRs) of NSPS as registered by general practitioners. Characterization of actual exposure was based on several proxies, such as prediction models of radiofrequency (RF)-EMF exposure, geo-coded distance to high-voltage overhead power lines and self-reported use/distance of/to indoor electrical appliances. Perceived exposure and the role of psychological variables were also examined. RESULTS: Perceived exposure had a poor correlation with the actual exposure estimates. No significant association was found between modeled RF-EMF exposure and the investigated outcomes. Associations with NSPS were observed for use of an electric blanket and close distance to an electric charger during sleep. Perceived exposure, perceived control and avoidance behavior were associated with the examined outcomes. The association between perceived exposure was stronger for self-reported than for GP-registered NSPS. There was some indication, but no consistent pattern for an interaction between idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI-EMF) and the association between actual exposure and NSPS. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, there is no convincing evidence for an association between everyday life RF-EMF exposure and NSPS and sleep quality in the population. Better exposure characterization, in particular with respect to sources of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) is needed to draw more solid conclusions. We argue that perceived exposure is an independent determinant of NSPS.

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AI evidence extraction

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Study typecohort

Effect directionmixed

PopulationAdults (≥18) in the Netherlands

Sample size5933

ExposureRF and ELF

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Perceived EMF exposure correlated poorly with proxies of actual exposure. No significant association was found between modeled RF-EMF exposure and NSPS or sleep quality. NSPS associations were observed for use of an electric blanket and close distance to an electric charger during sleep; perceived exposure and related psychological variables were associated with outcomes, with stronger associations for self-reported than GP-registered NSPS.

Outcomes measured

Non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) (self-reported and GP-registered via EMRs)
Sleep quality
Perceived exposure
Perceived control
Avoidance behavior
Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF) interaction (exploratory)

Limitations

Exposure characterization relied on proxies (modeled RF-EMF, distance measures, and self-reported appliance use/distance) rather than direct measurements
Authors note better characterization is needed, particularly for sources of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF)
Some indication but no consistent pattern for interaction between IEI-EMF and actual exposure in relation to NSPS

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cohort",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF and ELF",
    "source": "everyday life sources (modeled RF-EMF; distance to high-voltage power lines; indoor electrical appliances including electric blanket/charger)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Adults (≥18) in the Netherlands",
  "sample_size": 5933,
  "outcomes": [
    "Non-specific physical symptoms (NSPS) (self-reported and GP-registered via EMRs)",
    "Sleep quality",
    "Perceived exposure",
    "Perceived control",
    "Avoidance behavior",
    "Idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF) interaction (exploratory)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Perceived EMF exposure correlated poorly with proxies of actual exposure. No significant association was found between modeled RF-EMF exposure and NSPS or sleep quality. NSPS associations were observed for use of an electric blanket and close distance to an electric charger during sleep; perceived exposure and related psychological variables were associated with outcomes, with stronger associations for self-reported than GP-registered NSPS.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Exposure characterization relied on proxies (modeled RF-EMF, distance measures, and self-reported appliance use/distance) rather than direct measurements",
    "Authors note better characterization is needed, particularly for sources of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF)",
    "Some indication but no consistent pattern for interaction between IEI-EMF and actual exposure in relation to NSPS"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "electromagnetic fields",
    "RF-EMF",
    "ELF-MF",
    "perceived exposure",
    "non-specific physical symptoms",
    "sleep quality",
    "electric blanket",
    "power lines",
    "electronic medical records",
    "general practice records",
    "IEI-EMF"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "who-icnirp",
      "weight": 0.35,
      "reason": "Population health study of RF/ELF exposure proxies and non-specific symptoms relevant to guideline debates."
    },
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0,
      "reason": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "smart-meters",
      "weight": 0,
      "reason": null
    }
  ]
}

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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: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.02.001
PubMed: 25704188

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