Association between Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from High Voltage Transmission Lines and Neurobehavioral Function in Children

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence for a possible causal relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by high voltage transmission (HVT) lines and neurobehavioral dysfunction in children is insufficient. The present study aims to investigate the association between EMF exposure from HVT lines and neurobehavioral function in children.MethodsTwo primary schools were chosen based on monitoring data of ambient electromagnetic radiation. A cross-sectional study with 437 children (9 to 13 years old) was conducted. Exposure to EMF from HVT lines was monitored at each school. Information was collected on possible confounders and relevant exposure predictors using standardized questionnaires. Neurobehavioral function in children was evaluated using established computerized neurobehavioral tests. Data was analyzed using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant confounders.ResultsAfter controlling for potential confounding factors, multivariable regression revealed that children attending a school near 500 kV HVT lines had poorer performance on the computerized neurobehavioral tests for Visual Retention and Pursuit Aiming compared to children attending a school that was not in close proximity to HVT lines.ConclusionsThe results suggest long-term low-level exposure to EMF from HVT lines might have a negative impact on neurobehavioral function in children. However, because of differences in results only for two of four tests achieved statistical significance and potential limitations, more studies are needed to explore the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency EMF on neurobehavioral function and development in children.

Characterization of Indoor Extremely Low Frequency and Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in the INMA-Granada Cohort

“…They were within the range of mean values reported in Europe [26] and similar to those recorded in a primary school in northern Spain [11]. However, they were higher than levels recently described by Huang et al in two primary schools in Guangzhou, China [27].…”

Improvement of Spatial Memory Disorder and Hippocampal Damage by Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in an Alzheimer’s Disease Rat Model

“…Since that time, the negative effects of ELF-EMF was adopted and extensively researched. Epidemiological investigations identified that ELF-EMF exposure can cause the total decline of sleep quality[ 20 ], and some neurological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and memory decline[ 21 ]. In addition, some reports have suggested the potential association between ELF-EMF and AD.…”

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Measurement during Lessons in Elementary Schools

“…The exposure levels of ELF-MFs detected in this study could affect children’s perception [ 27 ] and is associated with a higher risk of childhood leukemia [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Disorders of cognitive function [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], disorders of memory performance, headaches, and sleep disorders [ 20 , 21 ] are also associated with these exposure levels. Although there has been no explicit evidence for adverse health effects in children by ELF-MFs exposure, since the nervous and immune systems of children could be more sensitive to ELF-MFs [ 2 , 28 ], children should avoid exposure to ELF-MFs as much as possible.…”

“…The association between exposure to ELF-MFs and the risk of childhood cancer has been extensively investigated in epidemiological studies [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Studies on disorders of cognitive function [ 17 , 18 , 19 ], disorders of memory performance, headaches, and sleep disorders [ 20 , 21 ] in relation to EMFs have also been conducted.…”