Authored By:
Cabra-Riera et al.This cross-sectional study investigated the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF) exposure and sleep disturbances in Dutch and Spanish preadolescents (9- to 12-year-olds). Using a questionnaire, information was gathered on the participants mobile and cordless phone use, as well as tablet and laptop use to estimate near-field RF EMF brain dose. Far-field RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations, broadcast towers, FM radio and wi-fi was also estimated using exposure modelling. Sleep quality was assessed by measuring total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset. The study found whole-brain RF EMF dose was not associated with sleep disturbances. However, the study found evening doses of RF EMF from phone calls were associated with shorter total sleep time. Although the authors acknowledged that this association may be due to behaviours and not RF EMF exposure.
Published In:
Environmental ResearchThe conclusions of this study are consistent with ARPANSA’s review of the scientific evidence that there are no substantiated effects of RF EMF on sleep quality (ARPANSA, 2014). The Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) opinion on Potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) also concluded that there was no substantiated scientific evidence to support disruptions to parameters affecting sleep quality. This supports ARPANSA’s view that exposure to RF EMF at levels below the limits set in the ARPANSA RF Standard (RPS S-1) do not cause any adverse health effects. The standard is based on scientific research that shows the levels at which harmful effects occur and it sets limits, based on international guidelines, well below these harmful levels. The standard is designed to protect people of all ages and health status against all known adverse health effects from exposure to RF EMF.
