Infant and family centered development care reduces infant distress and supports the parent and infant's individual abilities. However, a new environmental factor is daily encountered: the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) with the most recent fifth-generation (5G) technology. Currently, the effects of RF EMF during development are discussed in animal models. The neonatal intensive care units are not spared from this stressor. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel, electromagnetically insulating incubator cover to prevent the preterm infant from RF EMF exposure. A personal dosimeter was placed on the mattress of a closed incubator. Periods of exposure to low, medium, and high levels of 5G RF were delivered in the presence or absence of the incubator cover. The use of a silver-copper cover reduced the intensity of 5G radiofrequency levels from 52% to 57% (p < 0.0001), allowing to easily apply the precautionary principle.
Keywords: Fifth-generation radiofrequencies; Incubator; Neonates.
© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.