Exposure to ELF and IF magnetic and electric fields among children from the INMA-Gipuzkoa cohort

Abstract

Overview

Detailed assessment of exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) and intermediate frequency (IF) fields is crucial for conducting informative epidemiological studies concerning the health effects from these fields exposures. The scope and focus of this study was to characterize the ELF and IF exposure of children in the Spanish INMA cohort.

Methodology

A combination of spot and fixed measurements was used. Data was collected in diverse environments including 104 homes, 26 schools along with their playgrounds, and 105 parks to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Findings

• Low levels of ELF magnetic fields were observed, with the highest 24-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure being 0.15μT in one home.
• The Interquartile range (IQR) for ELF electric fields varied from 1 to 15V/m indoors and from 0.3 to 1.1V/m outdoors, with a peak value of 55.5V/m recorded in one school playground.
• IQR ranges for IF magnetic and electric fields were between 0.02 and 0.23μT for magnetic, and 0.2 and 0.5V/m for electric fields, respectively, and the maximum values were 0.03μT and 1.51V/m in homes.
• Relationships between magnetic and electric fields show weak correlation for ELF (Spearman 0.04-0.36 in different settings) and moderate for IF (between 0.28 and 0.75).

Conclusion

Children of the INMA-Gipuzkoa cohort were exposed to very low levels of ELF-MF across various settings and to similar levels of ELF-EF compared to previously reported levels, although higher exposures occurred at home. Exposures to IF were moderately uniform across all settings. The detailed data supports epidemiological linkages between health issues and low-frequency electromagnetic exposure.