Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Emissions and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose It has been argued that children are particularly at risk of developing health effects due to the emitted radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). We designed this cohort to measure the association between exposure to RF-EMF radiation and neurodevelopmental changes in neonates and infants. Methods We present an analysis of 261 observations from a cohort of 105 neonates. The cohort was formed of pregnant women, and the neonates born to these women were followed for a period of one year. We assessed the level of radiation in the house using the Selective Radiation Meter 3006 (Narda Worldwide, Germany) and neurodevelopment using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire® (ASQ®)-3. We used random effects models for multiple observations in the same individual, and the main explanatory variable was household radiation levels (divided into tertiles as low/medium/high). Results The median (interquartile range (IQR)) range of radiation in all the households was 8.66 (IQR: 1.58, 23.11) mW/m². It was 0.62 (IQR: 0.43, 1.58) mW/m² in the lowest tertile, 8.66 (IQR: 5.00, 10.78) mW/m² in the middle tertile, and 32.36 (IQR: 23.11, 45.60) mW/m² in the highest tertile (p=0.0001). The mean scores were significantly lower in the middle and higher tertiles of LOR for the gross motor, fine motor, and problem-solving domains. The odds of children classified as 'monitor/refer' was significantly higher in the 'high radiation group' compared with 'low radiation group' for the fine motor (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.74, 95% CI: 1.10, 6.78; p=0.03) and problem-solving domains (aOR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.41, 9.55; p=0.008). We also found that low birth weight babies were significantly more likely to be classified as 'monitor/refer' for fine motor (aOR: 4.19, 95% CI: 1.73, 10.14; p=0.001), and problem solving (aOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.08, 6.13; p=0.033) domains. Conclusions Even after adjusting for low birth weight, we found that higher levels of radiation were associated with poorer outcomes for cognitive domains of development such as problem solving, and personal-social areas. Thus, there is a need to monitor the neuro-development of children in whom the RF-EMF radiations are expected to be higher (such as very close to cell phone towers, too many gadgets in the house).