Electromagnetic field exposure and health problems among college students

Abstract

Our aim in this study was to determine both the level of exposure to the electromagnetic radiation of the young population in their living areas and its relationship with their health problems. A questionnaire about the intensity of the electromagnetic field radiation exposure and their health problems was used on 705 college students. Participants were 40.2% male, 59.8% female with a median of 20 (17-41) years old. Some students have been living close to base stations and high voltage lines (30% and 18.7%, respectively). Students had an internet network (82.3%). Mobile phone and computer usage for more than 5 years were 83% and 66%, respectively. 73.1% had electrical/ electronic devices in the bedroom. Exposure time to electrical/electronic systems in 44.7% of students was more than 5 hours per day. Some health problems mentioned were fatigue (75.2%), muscle pain (39%), difficulty in concentration (51.7%), stress (36.4%), eye discomfort (28.5%), light sensitivity (21.3%), and sleep disorder (%40). Chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between daily electrical/electronic device exposure time and headache frequency, concentration difficulties, fatigue, muscle pain (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01, respectively). The presence of electronic devices in the bedroom showed a statistically significant relationship with a sleep disorder, concentration difficulties, stress, fatigue, dizziness, and tinnitus (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively). According to our results, there is considerable exposure to electromagnetic radiation from technological systems in our daily life. Although the long-term effects of electromagnetic radiation exposure in humans are unclear, our findings suggest that electromagnetic radiation may be associated with some health problems.