Outdoor characterization of radio frequency electromagnetic fields in a Spanish birth cohort.
Environ Res
; 138: 136-43, 2015 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25707018
ABSTRACT
There is considerable public concern in many countries about the possible adverse effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation electromagnetic fields, especially in vulnerable populations such as children. The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure profiles within the frequency range 100kHz-6GHz in the immediate surrounds of the dwellings of 123 families from the INMA-Granada birth cohort in Southern Spain, using spot measurements. The arithmetic mean root mean-square electric field (ERMS) and power density (SRMS) values were, respectively, 195.79mV/m (42.3% of data were above this mean) and 799.01µW/m(2) (30% of values were above this mean); median values were 148.80mV/m and 285.94µW/m(2), respectively. Exposure levels below the quantification limit were assigned a value of 0.01V/m. Incident field strength levels varied widely among different areas or towns/villages, demonstrating spatial variability in the distribution of exposure values related to the surface area population size and also among seasons. Although recorded values were well below International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reference levels, there is a particular need to characterize incident field strength levels in vulnerable populations (e.g., children) because of their chronic and ever-increasing exposure. The effects of incident field strength have not been fully elucidated; however, it may be appropriate to apply the precautionary principle in order to reduce exposure in susceptible groups.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Ondas de Rádio
/
Campos Eletromagnéticos
/
Exposição Ambiental
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Incidence_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Environ Res
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article