PMID: 

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Apr ;144(4):581-5. Epub 2011 Feb 14. PMID: 21493239

Abstract Title: 

Auditory changes in mobile users: is evidence forthcoming?

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Genuine concerns are being raised as to the potential health risks posed by electromagnetic frequency exposure secondary to mobile phone usage. This study was undertaken to assess and compare potential changes in hearing function at the level of the inner ear and central auditory pathway due to chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves from both global system for mobile communications (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile phone usage.DESIGN: Cohort study.SETTING: Tertiary referral center.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-five subjects who were long-term mobile phone users (more than 1 year; 63 GSM and 62 CDMA) and 58 controls who had never used mobile phones underwent audiological investigations including pure tone audiometry (250-12 kHz), tympanometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), auditory brain responses (ABR), and middle latency responses (MLRs). The changes in various parameters were studied in mobile-using and non-mobile-using ears of both GSM and CDMA subjects and corresponding ears of the controls to ascertain the effects of electromagnetic exposure.RESULTS: GSM and CDMA users were found to be at a significantly higher risk of having DPOAE absent as compared with controls (P

read more

PMID: 

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Feb ;39(1):5-11. PMID: 20122338

Abstract Title: 

Audiologic disturbances in long-term mobile phone users.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: There is general concern regarding the possible hazardous health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones. This study aimed to assess the effects of chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted from Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) mobile phones on auditory functions.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, randomized, case control study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. One hundred twelve subjects who were long-term mobile phone users (more than 1 year) and 50 controls who had never used a mobile phone underwent a battery of audiologic investigations including pure-tone audiometry (both speech and high frequency), tympanometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, auditory brain responses, and middle latency responses. Changes in the various parameters were studied in the mobile phone- and non-mobile phone-using ears of subjects and corresponding ears of the controls to ascertain the effects of electromagnetic exposure.RESULTS: There was no significant difference between users and controls for any of the audiologic parameters. However, trends for audiologic abnormalities were seen within the users. High-frequency loss and absent distortion product otoacoustic emissions were observed with an increase in the duration of mobile phone use, excessive use of mobile phones, and age more than 30 years. Additionally, users with some complaints during mobile phone use demonstrated absent distortion product otoacoustic emissions and abnormalities in auditory brainstem response.CONCLUSION: Long-term and intensive mobile phone use may cause inner ear damage. A large sample size would be required to reach definitive conclusions.

read more

PMID: 

Heliyon. 2019 Apr ;5(4):e01419. Epub 2019 Apr 8. PMID: 31008384

Abstract Title: 

Atmospheric levels of BPA associated with particulate matter in an urban environment.

Abstract: 

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an Endocrine disruptor compound (EDC), capable of interfering with hormone related pathways and cause adverse effects, for example, in the reproductive system in wildlife and humans. As it has multiple applications and uses, mainly in the manufacturing of plastic and resin products, increasing amounts are being released into the environment with resulting enhanced exposure pathways. Since negative effects have been demonstrated even at low doses, it has been increasingly studied. However, these investigations have focused on BPA leaching from food cans, drinks and other consumer products as the oral exposure route is believed to be the most important. Consequently, the potential hazards of dermal or inhalation exposure resulting from the current levels of BPA in the atmosphere are poorly understand. Of the few studies reporting BPA occurrence in air, none of these were carried out in South American countries. Thus, the aim the present investigation was to assess BPA current levels in particulate matter in an urban environment (Córdoba, Argentina) and to analyze its spatial-temporal trends and the influence of meteorological parameters using a medium volume air sampler. Our results suggested a spatial trend that decreased according to the distance to emission sources in the order: Industrial area>City Centre>University campus, whose levels were comparable to other urban cities and with the temporal trend showing a higher prevalence of the compound in the colder months. Wind speed (WS), temperature (T), atmospheric pressure (AP) and relative humidity (RL) were the most influenced variables. However daily values are unpredictable and depend mainly on the emission sources and punctual events that release BPA into the atmosphere. No risk factor could be quantified since there is no reference value for this exposure route; Nevertheless, this study represents the first approach and provides data about this emergent pollutant in and Argentinean city, thus contributing to global BPA studies.

read more

PMID: 

Med Tr Prom Ekol. 2001(11):19-23. PMID: 11768949

Abstract Title: 

[Hematologic and cytochemical effects in specialists working with radiolocalization and radio navigation means].

Abstract: 

Examination of workers servicing radio location, radio navigation and communication means proved electromagnetic radiofrequency waves to induce some peripheral blood changes: cytopenia, Hb decrease, lower RBC and WBC counts, increased RBC with basophilic granularity, WBC metabolism alteration (higher acid phosphatase and myeloperoxidase activity), disordered lymphocytes subunits (T-helpers, T-suppressors) ratio and T- and B-cells numbers.

read more

PMID: 

Arch Med Res. 2004 Nov-Dec;35(6):517-21. PMID: 15631877

Abstract Title: 

Occupational safety: effects of workplace radiofrequencies on hearing function.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: The effects of radio frequency (RF) and microwave radiation on humans have been the subject of continuous investigation. Clinical investigations related to occupational RF/microwave exposure have been reported by investigators (1). Since one of the major groups occupationally exposed to RF and microwave radiation includes those working in radio broadcasting and TV transmitter stations, this study investigates whether RF affects auditory systems of people exposed to RF.METHODS: The study is carried out with people working in radio broadcasting stations and living in employee residential houses close to the broadcasting stations. All subjects in the control group were similar in age, work regime, socioeconomic status, and lack of experience in working with RF sources. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometer (BERA) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) were used to measure the effects of RF under investigation on hearing functions of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. In pure tone audiometric measurements, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz frequencies of hearing threshold were measured in subjects of experimental and control groups. Interpeak latencies and bone conduction hearing thresholds of subjects in the experimental group were compared with those of the control group.RESULTS: BERA results showed that I-III, I-V and III-V interpeak latencies of people occupationally exposed to RF were not higher than subjects in control groups (p>0.05). Results of BERA indicated no statistically significant differences between exposure and control subjects. In audiometric evaluation, hearing threshold of people occupationally exposed to RF were found higher than the control group subjects for frequencies of 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz in terms of bone and air conduction of right and left ear (p

read more

PMID: 

Electromagn Biol Med. 2006 ;25(1):13-21. PMID: 16595330

Abstract Title: 

Effects of intensive and moderate cellular phone use on hearing function.

Abstract: 

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones on the hearing of users. The study was carried out on three groups: 1) 20 men who have used a cellular phone frequently and spoken approximately 2 h per day for four years; 2) 20 men who have used a cellular phone for 10-20 min per day for four years; and 3) 20 healthy men who have never used a cellular phone (the control group). Brainstem evoked response audiometric (BERA) and pure tone audiometric (PTA) methods were used to measure the effects of exposure on hearing function of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V, and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. Interpeak latency of subjects in two experimental groups was compared to that of subjects in the control group. The BERA results showed no differences among the groups (p>0.05). In PTA measurements, detection thresholds at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz frequencies were measured in all three groups. No differences were observed between moderate mobile phone users (10-20 min. per day) and control subjects. However, detection thresholds in those who talked approximately 2 h per day were found to be higher than those in either moderate users or control subjects. Differences at 4000 Hz for both bone and air conduction for right ears, and 500 Hz, and 4000 Hz bone and air conduction for left ears were significant for mean hearing threshold. This study shows that a higher degree of hearing loss is associated with long-term exposure to electromagnetic (EM) field generated by cellular phones.

read more

PMID: 

Environ Res. 2019 Jul 4 ;176:108576. Epub 2019 Jul 4. PMID: 31299620

Abstract Title: 

Quantification of eight bisphenol analogues in blood and urine samples of workers in a hazardous waste incinerator.

Abstract: 

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. In recent years, producers have started replacing BPA by other chemical analogues, such as bisphenol -S (BPS) and -F (BPF), all of them under the label"BPA-free". However, despite bisphenol (BP) analogues have a very similar structure, their endocrine-disrupting properties could differ from those of BPA. Unfortunately, information regarding human exposure to BP analogues is very limited, not only as single substances, but also as chemical mixtures. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of 8 BP analogues (A, S, F, B, AF, Z, E, and AP) in biological samples from a controlled cohort of workers in a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Constantí (Catalonia, Spain). Firstly, a chemical method to analyze a mixture of those 8 analogues in total blood and urine was optimized, being samples quantified by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, a biomonitoring study was performed by collecting samples oftotal blood and urine of 29 people working in the HWI. Among the 8 BP analogues assessed, BPA presented the highest levels in both biological samples, with mean total (free + conjugated) BPA concentrations of 0.58 and 0.86 μg/L in blood and urine, respectively. Free vs. total BPA levels presented a mean percentage of 79% in blood and 19% in urine. Beyond BPA, traces of BPB were also found in a single sample of blood. Furthermore, none of the remaining BP analogues was detected in blood or urine. Despite BPA has been regulated, it is still very present in the environment, being human exposure to this chemical still an issue of concern for the public health.

read more

PMID: 

Occup Med (Lond). 2000 May ;50(4):237-45. PMID: 10912374

Abstract Title: 

Symptoms experienced in connection with mobile phone use.

Abstract: 

Many people in Norway and Sweden reported headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms experienced in connection with the use of a mobile phone (MP). Therefore, we initiated a cross-sectional epidemiological study among 17,000 people, all using an MP in their job. Thirty-one percent of the respondents in Norway and 13% of those in Sweden had experienced at least one symptom in connection with MP use. Next to the sensations of warmth on the ear and behind/around the ear, burning sensations in the facial skin and headaches were most commonly reported. Most symptoms usually began during or within half an hour after the call and lasted for up to 2 h. Relatively few had consulted a physician or been on sick leave because of the symptoms, but about 45% among those with an MP attributed symptom had taken steps to reduce the symptom. These results suggest an awareness of the symptoms, but not necessarily a serious health problem.

read more

PMID: 

Ceska Gynekol. 2019 ;84(2):161-165. PMID: 31238688

Abstract Title: 

Bisphenols in the pathology of reproduction.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Bisphenols are one of the most widespread endocrine disruptors that the population of west world countries is exposed to. Objective of this study is to summarize information about influence of bisphenols on reproduction health.DESIGN: Review article, Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno.METHODS: PubMed was searched for articles in English indexed bisphenol and reproduction up to October 2018.RESULTS: Increased levels of bisphenol A and S have been proven in body fluids and tissues. Bisphenol molecules have effect similar to estrogens therefore they influence hormonal regulation and activity of estrogen receptors. Their negative influence on oocyte maturation, spermatogenesis and development of reproductive system has been shown. Bisphenol S, which has replaced bisphenol A, has comparable negative effects on reproduction.CONCLUSION: Bisphenols are widespread endocrine disruptors that could cause severe fertility disorders of men and women.

read more

PMID: 

Neurology. 2006 Jan 24 ;66(2):284-5. PMID: 16434678

Abstract Title: 

Trends in acoustic neuroma and cellular phones: is there a link?

Abstract: 

Cellular phone use began in the United Kingdom in 1985. Sales increased slowly until 1992, more rapidly to 1997, before substantial growth to 2005 (figure).1 The UK Stewart Report2 into cellular phones and health concluded: “It is not possible at present to say that exposure to radio frequency radiation, even at levels below national guidelines, is totally without potential adverse health effects, and that the gaps in knowledge are sufficient to justify a precautionary approach.”

read more