RF and ELF electromagnetic field exposure of children in the french ELFE birth cohort

Abstract

Background : Knowledge on Radiofrequency (RF) and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure of children remains scarce, despite their growing use and their potential health effects. There is a need for studies taking into account every source of children exposure, including emerging ones, with longitudinal design to capture changes while growing, from in-utero to the adolescence. Aims: to characterize and follow RF and ELF exposure in children of the French ELFE birth cohort. Methods: 18918 children born in 2011 have been included. RF and ELF exposure will be assessed by questionnaires. Jobs and company activity will be coded with international classifications, and a job-exposure matrix will be applied to assess maternal occupational exposure during pregnancy. Domestic uses (Wi-Fi, cordless phone, mobile phone, electrical appliances, transportation means…) will be collected on questionnaires. Residential exposure will be assessed by using geocoded residential addresses and mapping of EMF sources. An exposure study will be performed in a subgroup of 400 children (when 3 yrs old). Housing and household characteristics and a time-activity diary will be completed, and numerous RF bands and ELF 50Hz will be measured at different places in each room and during 24 h in the living room. Results : questionnaires at birth, 2 months and 1 year of life have been already administered, and follow-up at 2 years is scheduled in 2013. Perspectives: Interactions between EMF and other radiations or chemical exposures will be studied, in relation with health outcomes collected at each follow-up. Other factors influencing children’s health and development (social, psychological, medical and familial factors), also collected will allow an accurate assessment of the etiology of health events. Future collaboration with other international birth cohorts to better understand the etiology of rare diseases such as pediatric cancers will be considered.