A cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil to investigate the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations and mental symptoms.
Symptoms of depression were assessed by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Risk of depression was defined as a score greater than or equal to 16.
| Group | Description |
|---|---|
| Reference group 1 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: 0 - 100 m and > 200m |
| Group 2 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: 101 - 200 m |
| Reference group 3 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: > 300 m |
| Group 4 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: ≤ 300 m |
| Reference group 5 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: > 400 m |
| Group 6 | distance between residence and mobile phone base station: ≤ 400 m |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Total | 440 |
Overall, there were no significant differences of mental symptoms between individuals living up to 300 m (group 4) versus individuals living more than 300 m (group 3) from the mobile phone base stations. An association was observed between living 100 to 200 m from the base stations (group 2) and anxiety (OR 2.39; 90% CI 1.09- 5.26) or depression (OR 3.25; 90% CI 1.63-6.45). For individuals living up to 300 m from the base stations, a reduced risk for depressive symptoms was observed (OR 0.50; 90% CI 0.32-0.80). Living up to 400 m from the base stations was associated with depressive tendency (OR 1.55; 90% CI 1.04-2.33) and depressive symptoms (OR 1.66; 90% CI 1.08-2.55).
The authors concluded that exposure to electromagnetic fields from mobile phone base stations and other electronic devices was associated with mental symptoms, independently of gender, education, and smoking status.
This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.
