Modeled & Perceived Exposure to RF EMF From Mobile-Phone Base Stations & Development of Symptoms Over Time in General Population Cohort

Authors: Martens AL, Slottje P, Timmermans DR, Kromhout H, Reedijk M, Vermeulen RC, Smid T

Year: 2017 Apr 7

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Am J Epidemiol

DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx041

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28398549

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

We evaluated the connection between both modeled and perceived radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure from mobile-phone base stations and the development of various health symptoms over time within a Dutch general population cohort.

Findings

  • A comprehensive 3D geospatial model was utilized to estimate RF-EMF exposure at participant's residence.
  • Increased perceived exposure correlated with a rise in health-related symptom reporting and sleep disturbances in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.
  • Interestingly, model-based RF-EMF exposure did not show this correlation, suggesting a significant impact of perception on EMF health effects.

Conclusion

This study underscores the complex relationship between the perception of electromagnetic exposure and health symptoms, highlighting the potential health risks associated with RF-EMF exposure from mobile-phone base stations.

RF-EMF mobile-phone base stations nonspecific symptoms sleep disturbances epidemiological study
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