Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure, screen time, brain morphology, and attention problems in school-age children

Abstract

PDS 73: Neurological effects, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Purpose: To investigate the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure, screen time, and brain morphology in school-age children and to assess whether brain morphology mediates an association between RF-EMF exposure with screen time and behaviour problems. Methods: Cross-sectional study in children aged 9-12 years from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (n=2,592). Information on mobile and cordless phone calls, mobile phone uses other than calling, use of tablet and laptop, console/computer gaming, and television was reported by the parents. Residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations was estimated using a 3D geospatial radio wave propagation model. An integrated model to estimate RF-EMF dose (J/kg/day) to the brain was calculated using all collected information. Information on brain volumes and cortical thickness was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging scans. Parental-reported behaviour problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: RF-EMF dose to the brain was not related to brain morphology alterations. However, other mobile phone uses was associated with a smaller parietal cortex [β -33.4 (95%CI -55.2;-11.6) per each increase in 1 minute]. Higher television use was associated with smaller total brain volume [β -105.0 mm3 (95%CI -159.7;-50.2) per each increase in 1 minute], and with higher attention problems [β 0.0018 (95%CI 0.0001; 0.0036) and ADHD symptoms [0.0023 (95% CI 0.0007; 0.0039) per each increase in 1 minute]. The observed smaller total brain volume partially mediated the association between television use and attention problems. None of the exposure variables was associated with cortical thickness. Conclusion: RF-EMF dose to the brain was not associated with brain morphology alterations. Longer use of screen devices, in particular television use, was associated with smaller brain volume, and smaller brain volume partially mediated the association between higher television use and higher attention problems.