Environmental radiofrequency electromagnetic field levels in a department of pediatrics

Abstract

Mean radiofrequency levels measured in a neonatal intensive care unit were low, relative to current guidelines.• Peak values in mobile phone frequencies were detected.• Radiofrequency emissions by medical devices were very low.

Individual Exposure to Environmental Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Hospitalized Preterm Neonates

“…The present study is the first to (i) show that preterm neonates are chronically exposed to low environmental RF‐EMF levels while in the NICU; (ii) describe the exposure's characteristics; and (iii) provide objective, quantitative exposure data. On average, the RF‐EMF levels to which preterm neonates were exposed were much lower than the currently recommended 50 V/m threshold [International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection ICNIRP, 2020] but higher than those found in the general environment of the unit [Besset et al, 2020]. DECT, mobile phone (UL), and FM/TV were the main contributors to this chronic exposure.…”

“…The characteristics of the study area and equipment have been described previously [Besset et al, 2020]. Briefly, measurements were performed in the Department of Pediatrics at Amiens University Medical Center (Amiens, France) using three‐axis exposimeters (EME Spy 200; Microwave Vision Group, Paris, France).…”

“…We recently demonstrated the presence of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMF) in the environment of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) [Besset et al, 2020]. However, there are currently no data on the individual RF‐EMF levels to which preterm neonates are actually exposed.…”

A Review on the Vagus Nerve and Autonomic Nervous System During Fetal Development: Searching for Critical Windows

“…Although incubator EMF seems to be under the normative value, EMFs could become dangerous when the incubator, and thus the newborn, is surrounded by other instruments or staff's devices that, through their own EMF, can give rise to electromagnetic interference (Besset et al, 2020 ). This phenomenon has the potential of altering ANS in three ways, especially in preterm or vulnerable infants.…”

“…This phenomenon has the potential of altering ANS in three ways, especially in preterm or vulnerable infants. Firstly, by directly affecting brain development, as the skull has a low bone density that fails in adequately protecting newborns' brain from EMF (Besset et al, 2020 ). Secondly, by suppressing melatonin secretion, thus altering the immune system and, potentially, the CAP, with all the negative consequences already mentioned.…”