Is the sustainability of exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation possible? / ¿Es posible la sostenibilidad de la exposición a las radiaciones electromagnéticas no ionizantes?

Technological advances imply an increase in artificially generating sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF), therefore, resulting in a permanent exposure of people and the environment (electromagnetic pollution). Inconsistent results have been published considering the evaluated health effects. The purpose of this study was to review scientific literature on EMF to provide a global and retrospective perspective, on the association between human exposure to non-ionizing radiation (NIR, mainly radiofrequency-EMF) and health and environmental effects. Studies on the health effects of 5G radiation exposure have not yet been performed with sufficient statistical power, as the exposure time is still relatively short and also the latency and intensity of exposure to 5G. The safety standards only consider thermal effects, do not contemplate non-thermal effects. We consider relevant to communicate this knowledge to the general public to improve education in this field, and to healthcare professionals to prevent diseases that may result from RF-EMF exposures. (AU)

Los avances tecnológicos implican un aumento de las fuentes artificiales que generan campos electromagnéticos (CEM), esto se traduce en una exposición permanente de las personas y el medio ambiente (contaminación electromagnética) a CEM. Se han publicado resultados contradictorios en cuanto a los efectos evaluados sobre la salud. El propósito de este estudio fue revisar la literatura científica sobre CEM para proporcionar una perspectiva global y retrospectiva, sobre la asociación entre la exposición humana a la radiación no ionizante (RNI, principalmente CEM en el rango de las radiofrecuencias) y los efectos sobre la salud y el medio ambiente. Aún no se han realizado estudios sobre los efectos en la salud de la exposición a la radiación 5G con suficiente potencia estadística, ya que el tiempo de exposición es todavía relativamente corto, igual que ocurre con la latencia y la intensidad de la exposición a la 5G. Las normas de seguridad solo consideran los efectos térmicos, no contemplan los efectos no térmicos. Consideramos relevante comunicar el conocimiento actual sobre este tema tanto al público en general para mejorar la educación en este campo, como a los profesionales sanitarios para prevenir las enfermedades que puedan derivarse de las exposiciones a RF-EMF. (AU)

¿Es negligente el tratamiento actual de la intolerancia ambiental idiopática? / Is the current treatment of idiopathic environmental intolerance negligent?

No disponible

Los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia extremadamente baja y su influencia en la salud humana: un tema polémico / Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and their influence on human health: a controversial topic

Fundamento: en todas las áreas de la vida moderna, está presente de forma creciente la exposición a campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia muy baja, su influencia sobre la salud de los seres humanos constituye un tema de debate a nivel mundial por considerarse como posibles carcinógenos humanos.Objetivo: realizar un análisis crítico del tema basado en los valores de exposición a los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia baja, propuestos en las directrices de la comisión internacional para la protección contra las radiaciones no ionizantes y la bibliografía existente consultada.Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el método de análisis bibliográfico a través de una búsqueda realizada entre los años 1979 al 2016, donde se consultaron bases de datos especializadas y se seleccionaron 28 publicaciones científicas sobre el tema.Desarrollo: la comisión internacional para la protección contra las radiaciones no ionizantes publicó directrices de exposición en 1998 y 2010, de manera que superó por margen muy amplio los valores de la segunda respecto a la primera, lo que no se justifica de acuerdo a los numerosos estudios publicados sobre el tema que relacionan la aparición de leucemia con inducciones magnéticas mayores de 0,4 µT.Conclusiones: los sistemas biológicos sufren la influencia de la inducción magnética de los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia muy baja antropogénicos. Existe la necesidad de que la proyección mundial sobre este tema esté dirigida a la protección inmediata de las personas con regulaciones sanitarias de carácter legal(AU)

Background: in all areas of modern life, exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields is increasingly present, its influence on human health continues to be a subject of worldwide debate by considered as possible human carcinogens.Objective: this led to a critical analysis of the topic based on exposure values ​​to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, proposed in the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection and the existing bibliography consulted.Methods: a bibliographic review was carried out using the method of bibliographic analysis through a search carried out between 1979 and 2016, where specialized databases were consulted and 28 scientific publications were selected on the subject.Development: the International commission on non-ionizing radiation protection published exposure guidelines in 1998 and 2010, surpassing the values ​​of the second with respect to the first, which is not justified according to the numerous published studies on the subject that relate the occurrence of leukemia with magnetic inductions greater than 0.4 µT.Conclusions: biological systems are influenced by the magnetic induction of anthropogenic extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. There is a need for the global projection on this issue to be directed at the immediate protection of persons with legal health regulations(AU)

Informe rápido del impacto en la salud de la telefonía celular 4 G / Rapid report of the impact on the health of cellular telephony 4 G

TECNOLOGÍA: Antenas y telefonía celular 4 G. CARACTERÍSTICAS DE LA TECNOLOGÍA: Los celulares, los teléfonos inalámbricos y las antenas (estaciones base de telefonía móvil) son fuentes de radiación no ionizante, la cual no tiene la capacidad de provocar la ruptura de los enlaces electromagnéticos de los átomos y en teoría no serían nocivas para la salud. Sin embargo, el uso extensivo de la telefonía móvil ha generado preocupación por sus posibles efectos en la salud. PREGUNTA: ¿Cuál es el impacto en la salud humana de las antenas y telefonía celular 4 G? BÚSQUEDA Y ANÁLISIS DE LA EVIDENCIA CIENTÍFICA: Dos investigadores realizaron en forma independiente una búsqueda bibliográfica en buscadores, bases de datos, agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias, agencias regulatorias de telecomunicaciones, registros de ensayos clínicos en marcha y concluidos, y sitios de agencias especializadas en radiaciones no ionizantes, en telecomunicaciones y en cáncer. Se buscó especialmente la posición de la OMS y de la IARC, en la Colaboración Cochrane, así como los estudios de investigación con diseños más adecuados para establecer la existencia de causalidad entre telefonía celular y daño a la salud. Se realizó también una consulta a la ANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica de la Argentina) y a la Red de Evaluación de Tecnologías de las Américas (RedETSA) para conocer y obtener informes de otros países sobre este tema. RECOMENDACIONES: Al momento de realizar este informe, el Comité Provincial de Biotecnología de Neuquén no encuentra elementos contundentes que permitan establecer una asociación causal entre las antenas y la telefonía celular 4G y efectos nocivos para la salud. Fuerza de las recomendaciones: Débiles (futuras investigaciones podrían modificar estas recomendaciones).

Licenciamento ambiental: acompanhamento de implantação de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo / Environmental Permit São Paulos Eletric Transmission Lines Construction follow up

O licenciamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão no Estado de São Paulo é conduzido pela Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), com uso dos princípios da Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA). Na fase de planejamento dos projetos de Linhas de Transmissão (LTs), isto é, etapa de obtenção da Licença Ambiental Prévia, são estimados os impactos ambientais da implantação e operação do empreendimento, bem como as medidas mitigadoras ou minimizadoras destes impactos. Nas fases de instalação e operação de LTs ocorre a intervenção ambiental de fato. São implementadas e acompanhadas as medidas propostas pela AIA. O acompanhamento ambiental de empreendimentos licenciados com AIA é feito com base nas exigências expressas nas licenças emitidas e uso de vistorias técnicas. Dentre as exigências expressas nas licenças ambientais de LTs, destacam-se a elaboração de relatórios de acompanhamento das obras. Tais relatórios são elaborados pelo empreendedor responsável pela LT ou consultoria contratada pelo mesmo. Este projeto propõe um procedimento para acompanhamento ambiental de linhas de transmissão em licenciamento na CETESB, composto por Termo de Referência do Acompanhamento Ambiental das Obras de Linha de Transmissão e checklist para uso dos empreendedores e suas consultorias responsáveis pela elaboração dos relatórios de acompanhamento das obras e da operação e manutenção das linhas de transmissão

Environmental permit for eletric transmission lines in the State of São Paulo is conducted by Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB), using the principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In the planning phase of the transmission lines projects, meaning, the phase of Preliminary Environmental Permit analisys, the environmental impacts of the implementation and operation of the aactivity are estimated, as well as mitigation our minimization measures. At the phases of installation and operation of transmission lines, occurs the environmental intervention itself. The minimization and mitigation measures estimated on the EIA are implemented and monitored. EIA follow up is based on the requirements expressed in the permits and technical inspections. Among the requirements set out in the environmental permits of transmission lines, highlight the construction environmental follow up reports. These reports are managed by the company responsible for the transmission line or consultant hired by it. This project proposes a procedure for environmental follow up of transmission lines in CETESBs permit process, composed by a Guideline for Transmission Line Construction Environmental Follow Up and a checklist meant to be applied by the company and their consultants responsible for that activity. The outcome expected are monitoring reports with standardized format and efficient information for the analysis of the technical team responsible for the CETESB permiting process

Lesiones inducidas por contacto directo con antenas de radio en vehículos de Caballería / Injuries induced by direct contact with Cavalry vehicles radio antennas

La exposición sostenida a emisiones de radio podría estar relacionada con lesiones en el tejido subcutáneo. Presentamos dos casos sucedidos en tiradores de vehículo explorador de Caballería (VEC) tras unas maniobras en zona de operaciones Líbano, consistentes en una inusual tumefacción del tejido adiposo en antebrazo derecho sin antecedente de contusiones, ni contactos químicos o irradiación conocida, y con piel íntegra, que coincide con zonas de posible contacto mantenido con la antena del vehículo. La causalidad no es determinante por tratarse de una relación observacional, pero los hallazgos sugieren que deberían tomarse medidas en relación con la reducción del riesgo de exposición a radiaciones electromagnéticas en operarios de carros con antenas plegables

Sustained exposure to radio emissions could be related to injuries in the subcutaneous tissue. We present two cases registered in shooters of Cavalry Exploration Vehicle (VEC) after maneuvers in Lebanon operation area, consisting of an unusual swelling of adipose tissue in right forearm, with no known history of contusions, chemical contacts or irradiation, and with preserved skin integrity, which coincides with areas of possible contact with the antenna of the vehicle. Since the previous relation is only observational, causality is not decisive, but the findings suggest that measures should be taken in operators of cars with folding antennas, in order to reduce the risk of exposure to electromagnetic radiation

Los efectos de siete localizadores electrónicos de ápice en los marcapasos: un estudio in vitro / The effects of seven electronic apex locators on pacemaker function: an in vitro study

Objetivos: El propósito del estudio es valorar los efectos de siete localizadores electrónicos de ápice sobre los marcapasos, mediante un estudio in vitro. Material y métodos: Siete localizadores electrónicos de ápice fueron analizados con dos tipos de marcapasos, basándonos en el esquema propuesto por Garofalo en 2002. Resultados: Root Zx(R) provocó algunos ruidos, pero sin afectar el funcionamiento de los marcapasos Ipex(R), Elements(R), Propex(R) y Apex NRG(R) interfirieron con los marcapasos. Los registros no fueron alterados por el Apit(R)1 y Apit(R)2. Conclusiones: Según los resultados obtenidos algunos localizadores tienen la capacidad de producir interferencias

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of seven electronic apex locators on pacemakers function in vitro. Material and methods: Seven electronic apex locators were tested with two pacemakers; the method was used and explained by Garofalo in 2002. Results: When the Root Zx(R) was tested produced only background noise, but without affect to the pacemakers. When the Elements(R), Apex NRG(R), Propex(R) and Ipex(R) were tested, pacemakers were affected. The recordings were not affected by The Apit(R)1 and Apit(R)2. Conclusion: These findings lead us to conclude that some electronic apex locators can to produce interferences

Secuelas posquemaduras en un paciente doble conductor de la electricidad industrial / Post burn sequels in a patient who is double conductor of industrial electricity

Paciente del sexo masculino de 43 años de edad, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que hace contacto con los cables de alta tensión (33 000 V); el sitio de entrada de la electricidad se produjo por dos regiones, lo cual causó lesiones del 30,80 por ciento de superficie corporal quemada y pronóstico de vida crítico; las zonas de salida fueron ambos calcáneos. Se decidió ingreso del paciente en Terapia Intensiva de Caumatología. Por la complejidad de las lesiones de las puertas de entrada, se amputó de urgencia la mano izquierda y a las 48 h el dedo pulgar de la mano derecha. Por la profundidad de las quemaduras, se requirió varias intervenciones: amputaciones, necrectomías y autoinjertos de piel. La estadía hospitalaria fue de 125 días. Hubo daño irreversible de todos los nervios de la mano derecha, con impotencia funcional total. La inmediatez de la atención especializada por un equipo interdisciplinario salva la vida del paciente, con secuelas estéticas y funcionales. La electricidad produce lesiones severas que requieren de un manejo integral y cuando la puerta de entrada es múltiple, se incrementa la complejidad del caso(AU)

A 43 years old male patient with antecedents of high blood pressure that makes contact with high voltage cables (33 000 V) was taken to hospital. The input site of electricity was produced in two regions of the body, causing lesions of a 30,80 percent of burned body surface and a critical prognosis for his life; being the calcanei the output sites. It was decided to admit the patient to the Intensive Care Burn Unit. Due to the complexity of the lesions in the input sites, his left hand was amputated as an emergency treatment and 48 hours later, the thumb of his right hand was amputated, too. Because of the depth of burns, several interventions were required: amputations, necrectomies, and skin autografts. He was in hospital for 125 days. He had irreversible damage of all the nerves of the right hand, with total functional impotence. The immediacy of the specialized attention given by a multidisciplinary staff can save a patient's life, leaving functional and aesthetic sequels. Electricity produces severe lesions that require a comprehensive management and, when the input site is multiple, the complexity of the case is higher(AU)

Electromagnetic Fields and the High Diluted Solutions

The rapid development of technology, especially, in the s of medicine, energy and telecommunications, is one of the signs of progress in today?s society. New sophisticated electric-electronic devices provide much convenience and utility in the form of modern medical equipment for diagnosis and therapy.Electromagnetic Ecology as an emerging interdisciplinary specialty on biomedical effects of EMF could also be applied in the study of HD.The integral treatment of the several subjects related to the HD by electromagnetic ecology could be applied to deepen the scientific studies of the mechanisms of interaction of HD with the living beings.(AU)

Experimental trends

To create a scientific journal seems to be an easy task! Accordingly some estimations [1], humankind has already published more than 50 million scientific articles from the earliest of times to this day! Considering a more recent period, we are publishing around 1.3 articles every minute and some estimations point to 25,000 active journal titles! Numbers do not lie, but misguided interpretations may lead us to false conclusions!Thus, this issue of IJHDR brings to its readers rich materials to stimulate serious discussions about HDs. It is a small, but representative sample of the diversity inherent to this subject. Both IJHDR and the HD scientific community are undergoing a process of growth aiming at attaining a higher status among their peers. This process might not yet translate into ?statistically significant? results, but the tendency is already visible!Enjoy IJHDR!(AU)

Experimental trends

To create a scientific journal seems to be an easy task! Accordingly some estimations [1], humankind has already published more than 50 million scientific articles from the earliest of times to this day! Considering a more recent period, we are publishing around 1.3 articles every minute and some estimations point to 25,000 active journal titles! Numbers do not lie, but misguided interpretations may lead us to false conclusions!Thus, this issue of IJHDR brings to its readers rich materials to stimulate serious discussions about HDs. It is a small, but representative sample of the diversity inherent to this subject. Both IJHDR and the HD scientific community are undergoing a process of growth aiming at attaining a higher status among their peers. This process might not yet translate into ?statistically significant? results, but the tendency is already visible!.

Electromagnetic fields and the high diluted solutions

The rapid development of technology, especially, in the s of medicine, energy and telecommunications, is one of the signs of progress in today?s society. New sophisticated electric-electronic devices provide much convenience and utility in the form of modern medical equipment for diagnosis and therapy.Electromagnetic Ecology as an emerging interdisciplinary specialty on biomedical effects of EMF could also be applied in the study of HD.The integral treatment of the several subjects related to the HD by electromagnetic ecology could be applied to deepen the scientific studies of the mechanisms of interaction of HD with the living beings.

Efectos en la salud pediátrica de la radiación electromagnética de frecuencias extremadamente bajas / Effects on pediatric health of extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiation

Introducción y objetivos. La radiación electromagnética de frecuencias extremadamente bajas (REM-FEB) procede principalmente de las instalaciones eléctricas; aunque éstas presentan innumerables ventajas, la radiación asociada tiene efectos adversos en la salud humana. Esta publicación tiene dos objetivos: a) divulgar los efectos adversos que las REM-FEB producen en la población infantil; y b) resaltar la especial vulnerabilidad e indefensión de nuestros niños. Material y métodos. Revisión sistemática de los principales trabajos publicados en MEDLINE, EMBASE, CANCERLIT, LILACS, y Scielo, durante los últimos 25 años, sobre los efectos de la REM-FEB en la salud infantil. El perfil de búsqueda utilizado ha sido la combinación de “pediatric health effects” y “ acute childhhod leukemia2 con “extremely low-frequency fields” y “residential electromagnetic fields”. Resultados. La población infantil presenta efectos adversos a la exposición de la REM-FEB, aguda o accidental (quemaduras, electrocución, traumatismos, etc) y crónica. La International Commission on No-Ionizing Radiation Pretection recomienda como seguras, para la población adulta, exposiciones crónicas inferiores a 100µT. La exposición residencia infantil a dosis superiores a 0,3-0,4µT incrementa el riesgo a desarrollar leucemias agudas (LA). Se desconoce el mecanismo carcinogénico implicado, pero entre las hipótesis más barajadas destacan las de corrientes de contacto y la alteración de la melatonina. La ausencia de un mecanismo biológico conocido y la falta de reproducibilidad en animales de experimentación impiden que la asociación entre la REM-FEB y la LA infantil se considere causal. Actualmente no existen datos estadísticamente significativos para asociar dicha exposición con tumores del sistema nervioso central y otras patologías fetales e infantiles. Conclusiones. La REM – FEB constituye un contaminante ambiental físico omnipresente en los países industrializados. La población pediátrica es especialmente vulnerable a exposiciones crónicas a la REM-FEB, consideradas como seguras para los adultos. La exposición residencial a campos magnéticos iguales o superiores a 0,4 µT, incrementa un 100% el riesgo a desarrollar LA infantil, respecto a exposiciones menores a 0,1 µT, con resultados estadísticamente significativos. A pesar de no haber encontrado un mecanismo causal, la aplicación del principio de precaución es fundamental para proteger la salud infantil (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequencies (EMF-ELF) generated by electric energy, besides its many advantages, produces adverse effects on human health. This article has two objectives: a) to divulge the adverse effects caused by EMF-ELF on pediatric population; and b) to underscore the special vulnerability and defenselessness of children. Material and methods. Systematic review of the published articles in Medline, Embase, Cancerlit, Lilacs, and Scielo on the effects of EMF-EKF on paediatric health during the last 25 years. The search profile combined “paediatric health effects” or “acute childhood leukaemia” and “extremely low-frequency fields” or “residential electromagnetic fields”. Results. The exposure to EMF-ELF causes both acute or accidental (burns, electrocution, traumatism) and chronic adverse effects in children. The International Commission on No-Ionizing Radiation Protection recommends as secure chronic exposure for adult figures under 100 µT. A higher risk of developing acute leukaemia (AL) is associated with home paediatric exposure > 0.3-0.4 . Based on these data, the International Agency of Cancer Research (IARC) classifies EMF-ELF as possible carcinogen (2B). Although the implied carcinogen mechanism is still unknown, the most likely hypotheses are the contact current and the melatonin disorder. A causal relationship between EMF-ELF and AL is not still established due to the absence of a sound biological mechanism and the lack of reproducibility in experimental animals. Nowadays, the development of central nervous system tumours and other fetal and infant disorders is not statistically related to EMF-ELF exposure. Conclusions. EMF-ELF is considered a physical environmental pollutant in industrialized nations. Chronic exposure limits considered safe for adults are deleterious for children. The relative risk of developing AL is increased 100% in children with chronic home exposure≥0.4 µT compared with those with 0.1 µT. In spite of the absence of scientifically proved causal relationship, the application of the precaution principle is necessary to protect paediaric health and wellbeing (AU)

Telefonía móvil: ¿representa algún riesgo para la salud? / Cellular telephony, any risk for health?

No disponible

No disponible

Lipoatrofia semicircular de origen laboral / Occupational semicircular lipoatrophy

Objetivo: En 2007 se notificaron en Cataluña una serie de casos de lipoatrofia semicircular potencialmente relacionados con determinados factores de riesgo presentes en los puestos de trabajo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es proponer una definición y clasificación de caso de lipoatrofia semicircular de origen laboral (LSOL) y describir los resultados de los casos estudiados en la Mutua Asepeyo en Cataluña. Métodos: Se examinaron 153 trabajadores con sospecha de lipoatrofia semicircular con un mismo protocolo de actuación. Se describen los resultados de 148 casos atendidos consecutivamente y pertenecientes a 27 empresas diferentes. El estudio se llevó a cabo entre abril y septiembre de 2007. Resultados: El mayor porcentaje de casos de lipoatrofia semicircular se da en mujeres (94%), con un rango de edad predominante para los dos sexos entre 31 y 41 años (46%), con normopeso (69%), con afectación en los muslos (96%) y en trabajadores con tareas administrativo-ofimáticas (97%) que referían apoyarse en la mesa de trabajo como factor de riesgo relacionado con su patología(58%). Adicionalmente, se objetiva el aumento de las cargas electrostáticas y la disminución de la humedad relativa ambiental en 19 casos procedentes de 6 empresas. Conclusión: La vigilancia médica de los trabajadores afectados por lipoatrofia semicircular debe realizarse de forma protocolizada para identificar adecuadamente los casos de origen laboral. En nuestro estudio, el origen laboral del problema se ha podido determinar aproximadamente en la mitad de los casos. Aunque sigue sospechándose etiología laboral en la mayoría de los casos, ha sido imposible disponer, en esta fase del estudio, de las mediciones técnicas necesarias para identificar los factores de riesgo laborales considerados como potencialmente causales(AU)

Objective: In 2007 several cases of semicircular lipoatrophy were reported as potentially related to occupational risk factors. The aim of this study is to propose a case defi nition and classifi cation for occupational semicircular lipoatrophy (OSL) and to summarize the results of the cases examined through the Asepeyo insurance company in Cataluña. Methods: 153 workers with suspected semicircular lipoatrophy were examined using a standardized protocol. Results for 148 consecutive cases, from 27 different companies, are described. The evaluations were conducted between April and September of 2007. Results: Most cases with semicircular lipoatrophy were women (94%), with a similar age range for both sexes, between 31 and 41 years (46%); normal body mass index (69%); lesions appearing on the thighs (96%); in jobs with administrative or office-related tasks(97%); and with a high proportion (58%) of patients reporting leaning on their desks as a risk factor (58%). Additionally, increases inelectrostatic charge burden and decreases in ambient relative humidity were confirmed in 19 cases from six different companies. Conclusions: Surveillance of workers with semicircular lipoatrophy would benefit from specific protocols to allow identification of work-related cases. In this study, an association between the case and the working conditions was observed in approximately half of the cases. Even though the majority of the cases are suspected to be work-related, it has not been possible to confirm these, given the absence of objective measurements of the suspected occupational causes(AU)

Acerca de la exposición a los campos electromagnéticos presentes en resonancia magnética. Directiva Europea 2004/40/EC / European Directive 2004/40/EC on workers' exposure to electromagnetic fields from MRI

En este trabajo se revisa la normativa vigente acerca de la exposición de los trabajadores a los campos electromagnéticos presentes en resonancia magnética (RM) y se evalúa el impacto de la Directiva Europea 2004/40/EC acerca del uso diario en la RM. Para ello se revisan en detalle los criterios de seguridad de la International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, el Real Decreto español 1066/2001 y la Directiva Europea 2004/40/EC referentes a la exposición a los campos electromagnéticos. Con la Directiva 2004/40/EC la Unión Europea (UE) introducía una ley sin valorar adecuadamente sus repercusiones. La UE ha decidido su aplazamiento puntual respondiendo a las alertas aportadas por la comunidad radiológica y médica en general. Aunque la normativa Directiva 2004/40/EC se ha pospuesto hasta el 30 de abril de 2012, ésta sigue vigente. Se espera que el replanteamiento de esta normativa produzca una exención del efecto en el ámbito de la RM (AU)

This article reviews the regulations in force about the exposure of workers to the electromagnetic fields generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluates the impact of European Directive 2004/40/EC on the daily use of MRI. We provide a detailed review of the safety criteria stipulated in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, in Spanish Royal Decree 1066/2001, and in European Directive 2004/40/EC about exposure to electromagnetic fields. In the case of European Directive 2004/40/EC, the European Union (EU) has introduced a law without adequately evaluating its repercussions. In response to alarms sounded by the radiological and general medical communities, the EU has decided to delay implementation of the Directive. Although the implementation of Directive 2004/40/ EC has been postponed until April 30, 2012, it remains in force. There remains the hope that the Directive will be reconsidered during this interval and that MRI workers will be exempt (AU)

Campos eletromagnéticos e leucemia linfocítica aguda em crianças residentes na região metropolitana de São Paulo / Electromagnetic fields and acute lymphocytic leukemia in children living in the Metropolitan Area of Sao Paulo

Introdução- As Leucemias Linfocíticas Agudas (LLA) constituem-se na mais comum das neoplasias em crianças. Alguns estudos epidemiológicos identificaram riscos aumentados de LLA em crianças expostas a campos magnéticos gerados por linhas de força de alta tensão, porém, essa associação não foi confirmada por outros estudos. Objetivo- Verificar a associação entre exposição a campos magnéticos e a incidência da LLA em crianças residentes na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, considerando-se a distância das residências das crianças de linhas de transmissão de energia (88, 138, 230, 345 e 440 kV). Métodos- Estudo casocontrole de base populacional. Os casos foram selecionados em cinco hospitais na capital do município de São Paulo, que concentram o atendimento a crianças com LLA. Quatro controles populacionais foram selecionados para cada caso, emparelhados por sexo, idade e cidade de nascimento. Casos e controles foram entrevistados utilizando-se questionário similar para obtenção de informações sobre as variáveis de interesse e potenciais variáveis de confusão. Os domicílios foram avaliados em relação às distâncias de linhas de transmissão de energia mais próxima utilizando-se o Global Positioning System (GPS). Na análise da associação entre campos magnéticos e LLA foi utilizada regressão logística condicional, incluindo o controle de potenciais variáveis de confusão. Foram calculados os odds ratios (OR) e os respectivos intervalos com 95 por cento de confiança (IC95 por cento). Resultados- A associação entre a distância de linhas de transmissão e LLA foi ajustada pela variável escolaridade da pessoa entrevistada, resultando em OR de 2,91 (IC95 por cento 0,92-9,22). Conclusão- Concluiu-se que, crianças residentes a menos de 160 metros de linhas de transmissão de energia na RMSP apresentam risco maior, porém não estatisticamente significativo de desenvolver LLA quando comparadas com as que residem a mais que 160 metros.

Introduction-The Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common cancers in children. Some epidemiological studies have identified increased risk of ALL in children exposed to magnetic fields generated by high voltage power lines, however, this association was not confirmed by other studies. Purpose- Check the association between exposure to magnetic fields and the incidence of ALL in children residing in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, considering the distance from childrens home and transmission lines (88, 138, 230, 345 and 440 kV). Methods- A population-based case-control study. The cases were selected in five hospitals in the city of Sao Paulo, which account for the care of children with ALL. Four population controls were selected for each case, matched by sex, age and city of birth. Cases and controls were interviewed using a similar questionnaire to obtain information on the interest variables and potential confounding variables. The homes were evaluated by distances of the nearest transmission lines using the Global Positioning System (GPS). To examine the association between magnetic fields and ALL was used conditional logistic regression, including the control of potential confounding variables. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) and their 95per cent confidence interval (95 per cent CI). Results-The association between the distance of transmission lines and ALL was adjusted by education of the person interviewed, and the OR was 2.91 (95 per cent CI 0.92-9.22). Conclusion- Children living at less than 160 m of power transmission lines in RMSP have higher risk, though not statistically significant, when compared with those living in more than 160 m.

A saúde dos consumidores e os equipamentos eletrodomésticos

Página da Fundação de Proteção e Defesa do Consumidor (Procon), do Governo do Estado de São Paulo. Fornece artigo sobre segurança com aparelhos eletrodomésticos. Informa que os fabricantes tem a obrigação de informar sobre todo e qualquer risco provocado por mau uso ou mau funcionamento aos consumidores.