Prenatal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field and its impact on fetal growth

Authors: Ren Y, Chen J, Miao M, Li DK, Liang H, Wang Z, Yang F, Sun X, Yuan W

Year: 2019 Jan 11

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environ Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0447-9

URL: https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-019-0447-9

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the effects of prenatal exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) on fetal growth, addressing prior methodological limitations in measuring MF exposure.

Methods

  • A total of 128 pregnant women in their 3rd trimester wore an EMDEX Lite meter for 24 hours to record daily ELF-MF exposure.
  • Exposure levels were assessed using time-weighted average (TWA), P50, and P75 of personal 24-hour measurements, with medians serving as cut-off points for high and low exposure.
  • Fetal growth was assessed through various physical measures conducted within 24 hours post-birth.

Findings

Statistically significant differences were observed in girls with higher ELF-MF exposure, who displayed:

  • Lower birth weight.
  • Thinner skinfolds of triceps, abdomen, and back.
  • Smaller circumference of head, upper arm, and abdomen.

There were no significant differences in boys, except for back skinfold thickness.

Conclusion

Higher prenatal ELF-MF exposure is associated with decreased fetal growth in female offspring, highlighting a potential health risk that requires further attention and action.

ELF-MF prenatal exposure fetal growth electromagnetic field health risks
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