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Is fertility reduced among men exposed to radiofrequency fields in the Norwegian Navy?
Author(s) -
Møllerløkken Ole J.,
Moen Bente E.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
bioelectromagnetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.435
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-186X
pISSN - 0197-8462
DOI - 10.1002/bem.20400
Subject(s) - odds ratio , confidence interval , infertility , demography , logistic regression , medicine , navy , fertility , odds , environmental health , geography , biology , pregnancy , pathology , population , archaeology , sociology , genetics
Abstract The effects of radiofrequency fields on human health are not well understood, and public concern about negative health effects has been rising. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between workers exposed to electromagnetic fields and their reproductive health. We obtained data using a questionnaire in a cross‐sectional study of naval military men, response rate 63% ( n  = 1487). We asked the respondents about exposure, lifestyle, reproductive health, previous diseases, work and education. An expert group categorized the work categories related to electromagnetic field exposure. We categorized the work categories “tele/communication,” “electronics” and “radar/sonar” as being exposed to electromagnetic fields. Logistic regression adjusted for age, ever smoked, military education, and physical exercise at work showed increased risk of infertility among tele/communication odds ratio (OR = 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.85), and radar/sonar odds ratio (OR = 2.28, 95% confidence interval 1.27–4.09). The electronics group had no increased risk. This study shows a possible relationship between exposure to radiofrequency fields during work with radiofrequency equipment and radar and reduced fertility. However, the results must be interpreted with caution. Bioelectromagnetics 29:345–352, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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