Epidemiological study (observational study)

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

By: Sadeghi T, Ahmadi A, Javadian M, Gholamian SA, Delavar MA, Esmailzadeh S, Ahmadi B, Hadighi MSH

Published in: Rom J Intern Med 2017; 55 (3): 145-150

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was conducted in Iran to investigate whether the risk of spontaneous preterm birth was increased in women living in a distance within 600 m to power lines.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: preterm birth, birth defect, newborn death

Type of risk estimation:

incidence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

calculation: nearest linear distance from the high voltage power lines to the maternal residence during pregnancy

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	distance between maternal residence and power line: ≥ 600 m
Group 2	distance between maternal residence and power line: < 600 m

Population

Group:
- women
- children in utero
Observation period: 2013 - 2014
Study location: Iran (Babol)

Case group

Characteristics: spontaneous preterm birth

Control group

full-term birth
Matching:
- area
- child birth year

Study size

	Cases	Controls
Total	155	155
Evaluable	135	150

Statistical analysis method:

conditional logistic regression

(adjustment:

parity, urban or rural residence, educational status and jobs of parents

)

Results (acc. to author)

Overall 20 mothers with preterm birth (14.8%) and 8 mothers of the control group (5.3%) lived within 600 meters of a high voltage power line.
Increased risks for spontaneous preterm birth and birth defect were observed in women who were living in less than 600 meters from high voltage power lines compared to those living in farther distance (OR 3.28, CI 1.37-7.85 and OR 5.05, CI 1.52-16.78, respectively). Newborn death did not differ between those living close to high voltage power lines compared with those living farther than 600 m away during pregnancy.

Study funded by

Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Migault L et al. (2020): Maternal cumulative exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, prematurity and small for gestational age: a pooled analysis of two birth cohorts
Migault L et al. (2018): Maternal cumulative exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and pregnancy outcomes in the Elfe cohort
de Vocht F et al. (2014): Maternal residential proximity to sources of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and adverse birth outcomes in a UK cohort
Mahram M et al. (2013): The effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on pregnancy and fetal growth and development
Auger N et al. (2011): The relationship between residential proximity to extremely low frequency power transmission lines and adverse birth outcomes
Grajewski B et al. (1997): Work with video display terminals and the risk of reduced birthweight and preterm birth
Savitz DA et al. (1994): Residential magnetic fields, wire codes, and pregnancy outcome
Nielsen CV et al. (1992): Fetal growth, preterm birth and infant mortality in relation to work with video display terminals during pregnancy

This website uses cookies to provide you the best browsing experience. By continuing to use this website you accept our use of cookies.

More information