Epidemiological Study (cohort study)

Pregnancy outcomes after paternal radiofrequency field exposure aboard fast patrol boats. epidemiol.

PubMed Entry

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Aim of study (according to author)
Pregnancy outcomes after paternal radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure aboard fast patrol boats were investigated in a cohort study in Norway.
Background/further details:
The Medical Birth Registry of Norway and the register of the Royal Norwegian Navy were linked by means of the mother's and father's personal ID numbers to find all pregnancies involving parents in the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Exposure during the last 3 months before conception (acute) and exposure more than 3 months before conception (nonacute) were analyzed.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

• reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: sex ratio, congenital malformation, perinatal mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, low weight in relation to gestational age, preeclampsia

Exposure

• radio frequency field, radar, each fast patrol boat is equipped with RF antennas (2.1 to 4 MHz with a maximum output power of 250 W, mostly used in 10-50 W range) and 2 radars (one 9.4 GHz for navigation and one 9.1 GHz for weapon control, both with 25 kW peak power)
• type of exposure: occupational
• assessment by list (work history data including all positions, workplaces, and work periods for each employee)
• assessment by job exposure matrix (crew was classified in group 1 (artillerymen and personnel (not officers) who operated weapons such as torpedoes and cannons), group 2 (bridge officers and radar operators) and group 3 (jobs below deck, such as engine room personnel and telegraph/radio operators))
• assessment by measurement (stationary measurements of electric fields emanating from the antennas and radars aboard the fast patrol boats in 1998 and 2005)
• assessment by calculation (job group average RF exposure level was calculated by multiplying the percentage of time the group spent in a specific location by the measured average RF exposure level for the location, and, by adding together the five locations. The individual RF exposure dose was estimated by multiplying the average RF exposure level by the number of days of service in the job group, time period, and FPB class in question)

Population
Study group: men and children with exposure in utero
Group characteristics: pregnancies involving servicemen employed in the Royal Norwegian Navy
Observation period: 1950 - 2004
Study location: Norway
Source of data: Medical Birth Registry of Norway, Royal Norwegian Navy
Exclusion criteria: mother's service in Royal Norwegian Navy before birth; multiple pregnancy

Study size	cohort
number total	37,920

Statistical analysis using log-binominal regression analysis (adjusted for year of birth, maternal age, paternal age)

Results/conclusion (according to author)
The results showed an increased risk of perinatal mortality and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia after paternal service aboard fast patrol boats during a 3-month preconception period compared with work aboard other vessels. The same was seen among servicemen with an estimated radiofrequency exposure dose aboard fast patrol boats (groups 6-8), but there was no clear dose-response relationship. No associations were found between nonacute exposure and any of the reproductive outcomes.
The authors concluded that paternal work aboard fast patrol boats during an acute period was associated with perinatal mortality and preeclampsia but the cause is not clear.

(Study character: epidemiological study, cohort study)

Study funded by

• Ministry of Defence, Norway

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