Epidemiological study (observational study)

The effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on pregnancy and fetal growth and development epidem.

By: Mahram M, Ghazavi M

Published in: Arch Iran Med 2013; 16 (4): 221-224

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cohort study was conducted in Iran to determine the effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields from high-voltage electricity towers and power lines on pregnancy, fetal growth and development in humans.

Further details

Because of the frequent use of mobile phones, the probable effects of its ELF magnetic field and radio-frequency radiation was ignored in both groups

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: preterm delivery, duration of pregnancy, caesarean section, cause for caesarean section, birth weight and length, head circumference at birth, congenital abnormalities

Exposure

Assessment

measurement: measurement of the electric and magnetic field strengths under and around the towers and power lines in different areas of the city of Qazvin based on the map provided Electricity Distribution Network of Qazvin

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Group 1	women residing in houses just under the power lines or in a distance of up to 25 m: exposed
Reference group 2	women residing two or three streets farther from the exposed residences: unexposed

Population

Group:
- women
- children in utero
- newborns
Characteristics: pregnant women
Observation period: 2011
Study location: Iran (Qazvin)
Exclusion criteria: use of microwave ovens; presence of any diseases which affect pregnancy, fetal growth and development, included cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers, and specific infections; pregnancy disorders

Study size

Type	Value
Total	380

Statistical analysis method:

Chi-square test
t-test

Results (acc. to author)

There were 222 pregnant women in the group with exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (mean magnetic field strength: 0.3 ± 0.18 µT; mean electric field strength: 6.7 ± 5.5 kV) and 158 pregnant women without exposure to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (mean magnetic field strength: 0.04 ± 0.004 µT; mean electric field strength: 0.02 ± 0.008 kV).
No significant differences were found in pregnancy duration and preterm labor, birth weight, birth length, head circumference and congenital malformations in the two studied groups.

Study funded by

Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran

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