Abstract
In recent years, equipment that generates intermediate-frequency electromagnetic fields (IF-EMFs) has become increasingly prevalent, and the influence of IF-EMFs on human health is thus attracting increasing attention. The present study was conducted with the aim of analyzing whether there is a relationship between the penetration of induction heating cookers and birth outcomes using an ecological study design at the prefectural level. We created data sets for all 47 prefectures in Japan using previously published statistics. Spontaneous fetal death rate, fetal death rate after 22 weeks of pregnancy, perinatal mortality rate, and proportion of newborns weighing less than 2500 g were used as birth outcomes in correlation analysis. A weak positive association was observed between the penetration of induction heating cookers and the fetal death rate after the 22nd week of pregnancy (r = 0.27, p = 0.07), but it was not statistically significant. In addition, a weak negative association was observed between the penetration of induction heating cookers and the spontaneous fetal death rate (r = −0.27, p = 0.07), but it was not statistically significant. In the present ecological study, no statistically significant association were shown between the penetration of induction heating cookers and birth outcomes. To demonstrate further the safety of induction heating cooker use, observations in epidemiological studies of other designs should be considered.
Highlights
Introduction and scopeThe purpose of this Opinion is to update the SCENIHR Opinion of 19 January 2009 in the light of newly available information and to give special consideration to areas where important knowledge gaps were identified in the previous Opinion
Half of the experimental studies looking at the macrostructure of sleep found effects, which, are not consistent with regard to the affected sleep parameters
Research conducted since the previous SCENIHR Opinion adds weight to the conclusion that Radio Frequency Fields (RF) EMF exposure is not causally linked to these symptoms. This applies to the general public, children and adolescents, and to people with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields (IEI-EMF)
Summary
Introduction and scopeThe purpose of this Opinion is to update the SCENIHR Opinion of 19 January 2009 in the light of newly available information and to give special consideration to areas where important knowledge gaps were identified in the previous Opinion. The new Directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic fields) and repealing Directive 2004/40/EC was issued on 26 June 2013 (Directive 2013/35/EU).The Council Recommendation invites the Commission to "keep the matters covered by this recommendation under review, with a view to its revision and updating, taking into account possible effects, which are currently the object of research, including relevant aspects of precaution". The Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) prepared an update of the Scientific Steering Committee’s Opinion and concluded in its Opinion on "Possible effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF), Radio Frequency Fields (RF) and Microwave Radiation on human health”, of 30 October 2001, that the information that had become available since the SSC Opinion of June 1999 did not justify revision of the exposure limits recommended by the Council. The Opinions delivered by the SCENIHR in March 20078, January 20099 and July 200910 confirmed the earlier conclusion of the CSTEE and again highlighted the need for additional data and research on this issue and recommended that specific research areas be addressed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
