Characterisation of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields in the Spanish INMA birth cohort: study protocol

Background: Analysis of the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields of non-ionising radiation (EMF-NIR) and health in children and adolescents is hindered by the limited availability of data, mainly due to the difficulties on the exposure assessment. This study protocol describes the...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Gallastegi, Mara, Guxens, Monica, Jimenez-Zabala, Ana, Calvente, Irene, Fernandez, Marta, Birks, Laura Ellen, Struchen, Benjamin, Vrijheid, Martine, Estarlich, Marisa, Fernandez, Mariana F, Torrent Quetglas, Maties, Ballester, Ferran, Aurrekoetxea, Juan J, Ibarluzea, Jesus, Guerra, David, Gonzalez, Julian, Roeoesli, Martin, Santa-Marina, Loreto
Format: article
Publication Date:2016
Country:España
Institution:Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
Repository:Repisalud
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:repisalud.isciii.es:20.500.12105/20250
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12105/20250
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Electromagnetic fields
Radiofrequency
Extremely low frequency
Magnetic fields
Child
Adolescent
Birth cohort
Exposure assessment
Environmental exposure
Campos Electromagnéticos
Ambiente
Humanos
Proyectos de Investigación
Estudios Prospectivos
Estado de Salud
Femenino
Niño
Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales
España
Adolescente
Masculino
Research Design
Male
Prospective Studies
Spain
Female
Humans
Environment
Health Status
Environmental Exposure
Electromagnetic Fields
Description
Summary:Background: Analysis of the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields of non-ionising radiation (EMF-NIR) and health in children and adolescents is hindered by the limited availability of data, mainly due to the difficulties on the exposure assessment. This study protocol describes the methodologies used for characterising exposure of children to EMF-NIR in the INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente-Environment and Childhood) Project, a prospective cohort study. Methods/Design: Indirect (proximity to emission sources, questionnaires on sources use and geospatial propagation models) and direct methods (spot and fixed longer-term measurements and personal measurements) were conducted in order to assess exposure levels of study participants aged between 7 and 18 years old. The methodology used varies depending on the frequency of the EMF-NIR and the environment (homes, schools and parks). Questionnaires assessed the use of sources contributing both to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Radiofrequency (RF) exposure levels. Geospatial propagation models (NISMap) are implemented and validated for environmental outdoor sources of RFs using spot measurements. Spot and fixed longer-term ELF and RF measurements were done in the environments where children spend most of the time. Moreover, personal measurements were taken in order to assess individual exposure to RF. The exposure data are used to explore their relationships with proximity and/or use of EMF-NIR sources. Discussion: Characterisation of the EMF-NIR exposure by this combination of methods is intended to overcome problems encountered in other research. The assessment of exposure of INMA cohort children and adolescents living in different regions of Spain to the full frequency range of EMF-NIR extends the characterisation of environmental exposures in this cohort. Together with other data obtained in the project, on socioeconomic and family characteristics and development of the children and adolescents, this will enable to evaluate the complex interaction between health outcomes in children and adolescents and the various environmental factors that surround them.

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