Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Kindergarten Children: Responsive Health Risk Concern

Author: Shiva Raj Acharya1, Yong Chul Shin2, Deog Hwan Moon1, Sandip Pahari3
Affiliation:
1 Graduate School of Public Health, Busan Medical Campus, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
2 Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Inje University, Busan, South Korea.
3 Department of Public Health, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal.
Conference/Journal: Front Pediatr
Date published: 2021 Jul 5
Other: Volume ID: 9 , Pages: 694407 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3389/fped.2021.694407. , Word Count: 155


Long-term exposure to physical agents can be detrimental to children due to their vulnerability. This study aimed to assess and compare the electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure level around the kindergartens from the underground transmission line (UGTL). We investigated randomly selected 24 kindergartens based on the location of the UGTL. The EMF emission levels were measured using an EMDEX II (Electric and Magnetic Digital Exposure Meter). The maximum mean value of the EMF emission level was 13.5 mG around the kindergartens and 17.7 mG from the point of UGTL to kindergartens. EMF emission level around the kindergartens was significantly associated with the location of the UGTL (t = -7.35, P < 0.001). These estimates are not trivial, as long-term exposure to EMF among kindergarten children can lead to different health problems. Routine monitoring of EMF emission levels is recommended including the awareness of EMF exposure to public citizens.

Keywords: children; electromagnetic field; exposure; risk; transmission line.

PMID: 34291019 PMCID: PMC8288246 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.694407

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