Association Between Maternal Exposure to Magnetic Field Nonionizing Radiation During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort

Authors: De-Kun Li et al.

Year: 2020

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: JAMA Netw Open

URL: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2776553

Abstract

Overview

This study examines whether maternal exposure to high levels of magnetic field (MF) nonionizing radiation during pregnancy correlates with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring. The research involved analysis within a longitudinal birth cohort that tracked mother-child pairs over time.

Findings

  • Initial findings suggested a significant association between high MF exposure levels (≥1.3 mG) and increased ADHD risk.
  • New analyses show that this association appears at some high exposure levels but is inconsistent and nonlinear, which affects interpretation.
  • A dose-response analysis highlighted similar trends, showing a nonlinear pattern between MF exposure levels and ADHD risk.

Conclusion

The revised analysis suggests potential health risks associated with in utero exposure to high MF nonionizing radiation; however, the results require careful interpretation due to their inconsistent and nonlinear nature. This study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and precise measurement in epidemiological studies concerning prenatal exposure to electromagnetic fields.

ADHD magnetic fields nonionizing radiation maternal exposure epidemiology health risk longitudinal study
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