Utrecht University research on electromagnetic field exposure among young children
To what extent are Dutch children exposed to electromagnetic fields? And how often? Utrecht researchers are mapping it. They are calling on parents of young children to fill in a short online survey. It is a stepping stone to research focusing on the possible health risks of electromagnetic fields in children.
More and more children are coming into contact with mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops at a very young age. These devices generate electromagnetic fields. There is concern in society that this has an impact on children's health. There is no scientific evidence for this.
European comparison
Among young children, not much research has yet been done on the relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields and potential health risks. A team of international researchers is now mapping the degree of exposure to electromagnetic fields in young children. The degree of exposure is related to how intensively mobile devices are used and how they are used. Using, among other things, a short questionnaire, the Utrecht researchers are looking at whether the current exposure of Dutch children differs from children in other European countries. They are also investigating whether certain factors, such as agreements on phone use, influence exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Baby, toddler and school-age child
Parents with children aged 0-12 years can complete the online questionnaire. Does the family consist of more than one child under 12? Then the parent can complete the questionnaire for the youngest child. Answering the questions takes about 5 minutes. The results have an impact on future studies on the possible health risks of electromagnetic fields.
What are electromagnetic fields?
Mobile devices use signals (electromagnetic fields) to communicate. For example, a mobile phone receives signals or sends them to a transmitter mast or WiFi.
EU exposure limits apply in the Netherlands. These are based on acute health effects due to warming. When setting the limits, a safety margin of a factor 50 was used. This takes into account the possible higher sensitivity of some groups. such as older people or children.
Children are mostly exposed to electromagnetic fields by using mobile devices themselves. Thanks to technological developments (e.g. 5G), exposure is constantly changing. But changes in the use of existing technology (e.g. more video calls) also affect exposure.
Source: Universiteit Utrecht (Dutch)
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