RT Journal Article
T1 Characterisation of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields in the Spanish INMA birth cohort: study protocol.
A1 Gallastegi, Mara
A1 Guxens, Monica
A1 Jimenez-Zabala, Ana
A1 Calvente, Irene
A1 Fernandez, Marta
A1 Birks, Laura
A1 Struchen, Benjamin
A1 Vrijheid, Martine
A1 Estarlich, Marisa
A1 Fernández, Mariana F
A1 Torrent, Maties
A1 Ballester, Ferran
A1 Aurrekoetxea, Juan J
A1 Ibarluzea, Jesus
A1 Guerra, David
A1 Gonzalez, Julian
A1 Röösli, Martin
A1 Santa-Marina, Loreto
K1 Electromagnetic fields
K1 Radiofrequency
K1 Radiofrequency
K1 Magnetic fields
K1 Child
K1 Adolescent
K1 Birth cohort
K1 Exposure  assessment
K1 Environmental exposure
AB 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. 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. 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.
PB BioMed Central Ltd.
YR 2016
FD 2016-02-03
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10668/9847
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10668/9847
LA en
NO Gallastegi M, Guxens M, Jiménez-Zabala A, Calvente I, Fernández M, Birks L, et al. Characterisation of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields in the Spanish INMA birth cohort: study protocol. BMC Public Health. 2016 Feb 18;16:167.
NO We would like to thank all INMA families for their active collaboration, this being essential for achieving the objectives of the INMA Project.MGa would like to thank the Department of Education, Language Policy and Culture of the Government of the Basque Country for a predoctoral research training grant.The characterisation of the exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic radiation in children of the INMA Gipuzkoa cohort has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FIS) and by the councils of the study areas.This study was funded by grants from the Spanish Instituto de Salud Carlos III Health Institute (PI13/02187 incl. FEDER funds, CP13/00054 incl. FEDER funds, MS13/00054), the councils of the study region of Gipuzkoa and the EU Commission (603794).
DS RISalud
RD Apr 8, 2025