Epidemiological study (observational study)

Pregnancy outcomes after paternal radiofrequency field exposure aboard fast patrol boats epidem.

By: Baste V, Moen BE, Oftedal G, Strand LA, Bjorge L, Hansson Mild K

Published in: J Occup Environ Med 2012; 54 (4): 431-438

Aim of study (acc. to author)

Pregnancy outcomes after paternal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure aboard fast patrol boats were investigated in a cohort study in Norway.

Further details

The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the register of the Royal Norwegian Navy were linked by means of the mother's and father's personal ID numbers to find all pregnancies involving parents in the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Exposure during the last 3 months before conception (acute) and exposure more than 3 months before conception (nonacute) were analyzed.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: sex ratio, congenital malformation, perinatal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, low weight in relation to gestational age, preeclampsia

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

(relative risk (RR))

Exposure

- RF
- radar
- occupational

Assessment

list: work history data including all positions, workplaces, and work periods for each employee
job exposure matrix: crew was classified in group 1 (artillerymen and personnel (not officers) who operated weapons such as torpedoes and cannons), group 2 (bridge officers and radar operators) and group 3 (jobs below deck, such as engine room personnel and telegraph/radio operators)
measurement: stationary measurements of electric fields emanating from the antennas and radars aboard the fast patrol boats in 1998 and 2005
calculation: job group average RF exposure level was calculated by multiplying the percentage of time the group spent in a specific location by the measured average RF exposure level for the location, and, by adding together the five locations. The individual RF exposure dose was estimated by multiplying the average RF exposure level by the number of days of service in the job group, time period, and FPB class in question

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	land-based exposure
Group 2	acute exposure on vessels (3 month prior conception), subdivided into groups 4-8
Group 3	nonacute exposure on vessels (more than 3 months prior conception), subdivided into groups 9-13
Reference group 4	acute exposure on other vessels excluding fast patrol boats
Group 5	acute exposure on fast patrol boats
Group 6	acute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: low
Group 7	acute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: medium
Group 8	acute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: high
Reference group 9	nonacute exposure on other vessels excluding fast patrol boats
Group 10	nonacute exposure on fast patrol boats
Group 11	nonacute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: low
Group 12	nonacute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: medium
Group 13	nonacute exposure on fast patrol boats, radiofrequency dose: high

Population

Group:
- men
- children in utero
- newborns
Characteristics: pregnancies involving servicemen employed in the Royal Norwegian Navy
Observation period: 1950 - 2004
Study location: Norway
Data source: Medical Birth Registry of Norway, Royal Norwegian Navy
Exclusion criteria: mother's service in Royal Norwegian Navy before birth; multiple pregnancy

Study size

Type	Value
Total	37,920

Statistical analysis method:

log-binominal regression analysis

(adjustment:

year of birth, maternal age, paternal age

)

Results (acc. to author)

The results showed an increased risk of perinatal mortality and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia after paternal service aboard fast patrol boats during a 3-month preconception period compared with work aboard other vessels. The same was seen among servicemen with an estimated radiofrequency exposure dose aboard fast patrol boats (groups 6-8), but there was no clear dose-response relationship. No associations were found between nonacute exposure and any of the reproductive outcomes.
The authors concluded that paternal work aboard fast patrol boats during an acute period was associated with perinatal mortality and preeclampsia but the cause is not clear.

Study funded by

Ministry of Defence, Norway

Baste V et al. (2015): Prospective study of pregnancy outcomes after parental cell phone exposure: the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Baste V et al. (2010): Radiofrequency exposure on fast patrol boats in the Royal Norwegian Navy-an approach to a dose assessment
Agarwal A et al. (2009): Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) from cellular phones on human ejaculated semen: an in vitro pilot study
Mollerlokken OJ et al. (2008): Is fertility reduced among men exposed to radiofrequency fields in the Norwegian Navy?
Baste V et al. (2008): Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields; male infertility and sex ratio of offspring
Mjoen G et al. (2006): Paternal occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and risk of adverse pregnancy outcome
Schrader SM et al. (1998): Reproductive function in relation to duty assignments among military personnel
Hjollund NH et al. (1997): Semen analysis of personnel operating military radar equipment
Weyandt TB et al. (1996): Semen analysis of military personnel associated with military duty assignments
Logue JN et al. (1985): Congenital anomalies and paternal occupational exposure to shortwave, microwave, infrared, and acoustic radiation