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Description
This study prospectively assessed the association between residential indoor RF-EMF sources (Wi-Fi, cordless phones) and mobile phone usage patterns with change in behavior problem over a year.
A total of 2465 children aged 8-17 years from Hokkaido Birth Cohort study on Environment and Children’s health were assessed from October 2020 to January 2021 at baseline and between September 2021 to March 2022 at follow-up. The exposure data on residential Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and duration of mobile phone for calls, online audio streaming, video streaming, and gaming were collected at baseline. Data on outcome was collected both at baseline and follow-up using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Children were categorized into normal behavior, persistent behavior difficulties, improved in behavior, and concurrent behavior difficulties groups, based on their total difficulty score at baseline and follow-up.
No association was found between residential Wi-Fi and mobile network call duration with change in behavior problem. Cordless phone use at home and call duration exceeding 4 minutes per week showed protective effect with improvement in behavior and reduced odds of persistent prosocial difficulties. Audio streaming for longer duration also showed protective effect with higher odds of improvement in behavior. While longer duration of internet-based calls increased odds of concurrent behavior difficulties.
These findings may be impacted by chance and residual confounding. To validate and address the limitations, additional follow-ups and exposure measurements are required.
