1. Radiofrequency exposure in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit.
- Author
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Calvente, I., Vázquez-Pérez, A., Fernández, M.F., Núñez, M.I., and Múñoz-Hoyos, A.
- Subjects
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RADIO frequency , *INCUBATORS , *PREMATURE infants , *ELECTROMAGNETISM , *ELECTROMAGNETIC fields , *HEALTH - Abstract
The aims of this study were to characterize electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency (RF-EMF) levels generated in a Neonatal Medium Care Unit and to analyze RF-EMF levels inside unit’s incubators. Spot and long-term measurements were made with a dosimeter. The spot measurement mean was 1.51±0.48 V/m. Higher values were found in the proximity to the window and to the incubator evaluated. Mean field strength for the entire period of 17 h was 0.81 (±0.07) V/m and the maximum value was 1.58 V/m for long-term RF-EMF measurements in the incubator. Values found during the night period were higher than those found during the day period. It is important to consider RF-EMF exposure levels in neonatal care units, due to some evidence of adverse health effects found in children and adults. Characterization of RF-EMF exposure may be important to further investigate the mechanisms and underlying effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on infant health. A prudent avoidance strategy should be adopted because newborns are at a vulnerable stage of development and the actual impact of EMF on premature infants is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
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