Epidemiological study (observational study)

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

By: de Vocht F, Hannam K, Baker P, Agius R

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2014; 35 (3): 201-209

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The association between maternal residential proximity to sources of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and adverse birth outcomes was investigated in a cohort study in UK.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, small for gestational age, low birthweight (< 2500g), birth weight

Type of risk estimation:

prevalence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

- residential

Assessment

calculation: nearest distance from maternal residence during pregnancy and power lines

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	distance from maternal residence and power line: > 50 m
Group 2	distance from maternal residence and power line: ≤ 50 m
Reference group 3	distance from maternal residence and power line: > 100 m
Group 4	distance from maternal residence and power line: ≤ 100 m
Reference group 5	distance from maternal residence and power line: > 200 m
Group 6	distance from maternal residence and power line: ≤ 200 m

Population

Group:
- women
- children in utero
- newborns
Characteristics: singleton live births
Observation period: 2004 - 2008
Study location: UK (Northwest England)
Data source: North West Perinatal Survey Unit (NWPSU)

Study size

Type	Value
Evaluable	140,356

Statistical analysis method:

logistic regression

(adjustment:

socioeconomic status
maternal age, ethnicity, parity, maternal smoking (for a part of the women)

)

Results (acc. to author)

Less than one percent of women lived within 200m of a high voltage cable, power line, substation or tower.
No statistically significant increased risks for any clinical birth outcomes with maternal residential proximity of 50 m or less to sources of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields were observed. Reduced average birth weight of 212 g (CI: - 395 to -29 g) was found for close proximity to a source, and was largest for female births (-251 g; CI: -487 to -15 g).
The authors concluded that living close (50m or less) to a residential source of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields 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.

Limitations (acc. to author)

Exposure was not assessed by measurement.

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