Maternal residential proximity to sources of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and adverse birth outcomes in a UK cohort

Abstract

Studies have suggested that exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) may be associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study tested the hypothesis that close proximity to residential ELF-EMF sources is associated with a reduction in birth weight and increased the risk of low birthweight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA) and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). Closest residential proximity to high voltage cables, overhead power lines, substations or towers during pregnancy was calculated for 140356 singleton live births between 2004 and 2008 in Northwest England. Associations between proximity and risk for LBW, SGA and SPTB were calculated, as well as associations with birth weight directly. Associations were adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, parity and for part of the population additionally for maternal smoking during pregnancy. Reduced average birth weight of 212 g (95% confidence interval (CI): -395 to -29 g) was found for close proximity to a source, and was largest for female births (-251 g (95% CI: -487 to -15 g)). No statistically significant increased risks for any clinical birth outcomes with residential proximity of 50 m or less were observed. Living close (50 m or less) to a residential ELF-EMF source during pregnancy is associated with suboptimal growth in utero, with stronger effects in female than in males. However, only a few pregnant women live this close to high voltage cables, overhead power lines, substations or towers, likely limiting its public health impact.

Preterm birth among women living within 600 meters of high voltage overhead Power Lines: a case-control study

“…This study is an important addition to research on the health affected by power lines. Only a few studies have investigated the pregnancy outcome affected by power lines, but the researchers showed that the electromagnetic field exposure of pregnant women did not increase the risk of pregnancy outcomes [19,[21][22][23]. In this investigation, we found that women who were living in less than 600 meters from high voltage power lines had higher spontaneous preterm birth and birth defects compared to those living farther than 600 meters.…”

“…In addition, the results from some studies have indicated that exposure to magnetic field may be associated with the increased risk of adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight [16] and miscarriages [17]. Some studies, however, did not find a statistically significant increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in relation to exposure to electromagnetic field during pregnancy [18,19] reproductive outcomes [14]. Pregnant women in Iran sometimes live very close to very high voltage overhead power lines and are exposed to electromagnetic fields [11].…”

Exposure to Power-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Infertility and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Update on the Human Evidence and Recommendations for Future Study Designs

“…Consistent among these studies is the potential for temporal ambiguity as it is unclear if the exposure preceded the outcome. Using data from 140,356 births derived from England’s North West Perinatal Survey Unit database, de Vocht et al (2014) examined the potential relationships between residential proximity to nearest magnetic field source (potential sources included: high voltage cables, overhead power lines, or electricity substations or towers) and the following birth measures: preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth (which excluded elective deliveries), small-for-gestational-age (defined as birth weight <10 th percentile), low birth weight, and birth weight. While no apparent associations were observed for 4 clinical birth outcomes, de Vocht et al (2014) found that there was a reduction in average birth weight for participants that lived in homes that were ≤50 m from a source (adjusted beta: −212 g, 95% CI: −395, −29 g).…”

“…Using data from 140,356 births derived from England’s North West Perinatal Survey Unit database, de Vocht et al (2014) examined the potential relationships between residential proximity to nearest magnetic field source (potential sources included: high voltage cables, overhead power lines, or electricity substations or towers) and the following birth measures: preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth (which excluded elective deliveries), small-for-gestational-age (defined as birth weight <10 th percentile), low birth weight, and birth weight. While no apparent associations were observed for 4 clinical birth outcomes, de Vocht et al (2014) found that there was a reduction in average birth weight for participants that lived in homes that were ≤50 m from a source (adjusted beta: −212 g, 95% CI: −395, −29 g). In a follow-up analysis, de Vocht and Lee (2014) re-analyzed the dataset using statistical measures to address missing data (multiple imputation) and residual confounding (propensity score matching), and again found that babies from mothers residing in homes ≤50 m from a source had a reduced birth weight (adjusted beta: −116 g, 95% CI: −224, −7 g).…”

Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian follicles in rats

“…ELF-EMF has devastating effects on the reproductive system of female rats, e.g., it reduces the number of flushed blastocysts and increases the height of the epithelial cells in the fallopian tubes (9). ELF-EMF radiation can cause changes in the uterus and ovaries in rats (10), influence follicular development, influence the estrus cycle, and cause birth defects, miscarriage, and premature birth (11). The development of tissues, organs, and systems during embryogenesis is sensitive to toxic agents (10).…”