Estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields doses and brain volumes in preadolescents

Authors: Alba Cabré-Riera, Hanan El Marroun, Ryan Muetzel, Luuk van Wel, Ilaria Liorni, Arno Thielens, Laura Ellen Birks, Livia Pierotti, Anke Huss, Wout Joseph, Joe Wiart, Myles Capstick, Manon Hillegers, Roel Vermeulen, Elisabeth Cardis, Martine Vrijheid, Tonya White, Martin Röösli, Henning Tiemeier, Mònica Guxens

Year: September 2020

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environment International

Institution: Generation R Study, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105808

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020317633?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Overview

The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis among preadolescents aged 9-12 years from the Generation R Study based in Rotterdam. The research explores the implications of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure from various devices including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops on brain volumes.

Methods

The subjects analyzed are part of a birth cohort consisting of 2592 participants. RF-EMF exposure was meticulously estimated using an integrated exposure model which accounted for different sources including mobile and DECT phone calls, other mobile phone uses, tablet use, laptop use, and far-field sources. Data on brain volumes was sourced from magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Findings

The overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was estimated at 84.3 mJ/kg/day.
The temporal lobe received the highest dose of 307.1 mJ/kg/day.
RF-EMF exposure, whether from mobile devices or other sources, presented no significant relationship with global, cortical, or subcortical brain volumes.
An association was noted between higher RF-EMF exposure from screen activities on mobile devices and smaller caudate volume, indicating a potential risk factor for brain development.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for further research into the effects of mobile device use on brain development in youths. Notably, certain patterns of device usage which lead to increased RF-EMF exposure were linked to changes in specific brain structures despite low overall RF-EMF exposure. The subtlety of these findings suggests the risk of residual confounders and underscore the importance of comprehensive future studies.

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