RF EMF, screen time, and emotional and behavioral problems in 5-year-old children

Authors: Guxens M, Vermeulen R, Steenkamer I, Beekhuizen J, Vrijkotte TGM, Kromhout H, Huss A

Year: 2018 Oct 9

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Int J Hyg Environ Health

Institution: Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.09.006

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30314943

Abstract

Overview

The study examines the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and screen time on emotional and behavioral problems in young children.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted including 3,102 children aged 5 from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study. RF-EMF exposure was estimated using a 3D geospatial radio wave propagation model, and exposure data was collected via maternal reports and environmental measures.

Findings

  • No direct associations were observed between mobile and cordless phone calls and emotional or behavioral issues.
  • Higher maternal-reported emotional symptoms were linked with higher RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations.
  • Television watching for over 1.5 hours a day was associated with an increase in hyperactivity and inattention as reported by mothers.

Conclusion

While direct relations between phone calls and behavioral issues were not established, other sources of RF-EMF and longer screen time exhibited stronger associations with certain emotional and behavioral problems, as per maternal reports. The complexity of exposure sources and outcomes demands further investigation to untangle these associations.

RF-EMF screen time emotional problems behavioral problems children
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