EMF-Portal | Adverse health indicators correlating with sparsely populated areas in Sweden

Adverse health indicators correlating with sparsely populated areas in Sweden epidem.

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The possible association between adverse health indicators and population density as well as mobile phone output power was investigated in Sweden.

Further details

Health data were correlated to the population densities in 21 Swedish counties as well as to estimates of average mobile phone output power.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

mortality: due to external causes (accidents, car crashes, murder, etc.) and Alzheimer disease

health indicators e.g., sick-days, long-term sick, rehabilitation days, health cost increase

Exposure

Assessment

calculation: based on mobile phone coverage maps and output power measurements

Population

Group:

Characteristics: residents

Observation period: 1981 - 2002

Study location: Sweden

Data source: National Board of Health and Welfare, National Social Insurance Board, Swedish Work Environment Authority

Results (acc. to author)

The health indicators general illness rates, mortality due to external accidents and Alzheimer disease, and rates of recovery from illness, surgery and work-related accidents were poorest in least-populated areas in Sweden. A strong positive correlation was found between mobile phone output power and decreased health quality, and a strong negative correlation was observed between the reported coverage of GSM base stations and decreased health quality.

Study funded by

Hallberg Independent Research (HIR), Sweden