Association Between the Use of Induction Heating Cookers and Delivery Outcomes in Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cohort Study

Abstract

Association Between the Use of Induction Heating Cookers and Delivery Outcomes in Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cohort Study Sato Y, Taki M, Kojimahara N. Association Between the Use of Induction Heating Cookers and Delivery Outcomes in Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cohort Study. Environmental Health Insights. 2023;17. doi:10.1177/11786302231211114. Abstract The number of devices that generate intermediate-frequency electromagnetic fields (IF-EMFs) in the living environment has been increasing. As the public has vague concerns about new devices, it is necessary to clarify the safety of IF-EMFs. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the possible health effects of IF-EMFs by clarifying the relationship between the use of induction heating (IH) cookers and delivery outcomes. The study participants were pregnant women over the age of 20 years who were registered in panels with an Internet research firm. A total of 8920 pregnant women participated in the baseline survey. Of those who responded to the follow-up survey, 5022 who had a singleton birth were included in the analysis. We then examined the relationship between the use of IH cookers and gestational week at delivery (<37th/⩾37th week) or birth weight (<2500/⩾2500 g) using logistic regression models. No association was found between the use of IH cookers and birth weight, but weak associations were found between the use of stationary- and tabletop-type IH cookers and gestational week at delivery. After all considerations, we determined that the observed increased odds ratio did not indicate an increased risk of premature birth. Open access paper: journals.sagepub.com

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In logistic regression analyses among 5022 women with singleton births, no association was found between induction heating (IH) cooker use and birth weight. Weak associations were observed between use of stationary- and tabletop-type IH cookers and gestational week at delivery, but the authors concluded the increased odds ratio did not indicate an increased risk of premature birth.

Outcomes measured

• Gestational week at delivery (<37 vs ≥37 weeks)
• Birth weight (<2500 vs ≥2500 g)

Limitations

• Exposure assessment based on reported IH cooker use; no quantitative IF-EMF measurements reported in abstract
• Internet-based cohort/panel recruitment may limit generalizability
• Only participants completing follow-up and with singleton births were analyzed (potential selection/attrition)
• Outcomes dichotomized (<37/≥37 weeks; <2500/≥2500 g), which may reduce sensitivity

Suggested hubs

• intermediate-frequency-emf (0.9)
  Study explicitly concerns intermediate-frequency EMFs from induction heating cookers.
• pregnancy-reproductive-outcomes (0.85)
  Assesses gestational age at delivery and birth weight in pregnant women.

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    "study_type": "cohort",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "intermediate-frequency",
        "source": "induction heating cooker",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Pregnant women >20 years old registered in panels with an Internet research firm (Japan not stated in abstract)",
    "sample_size": 5022,
    "outcomes": [
        "Gestational week at delivery (<37 vs ≥37 weeks)",
        "Birth weight (<2500 vs ≥2500 g)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In logistic regression analyses among 5022 women with singleton births, no association was found between induction heating (IH) cooker use and birth weight. Weak associations were observed between use of stationary- and tabletop-type IH cookers and gestational week at delivery, but the authors concluded the increased odds ratio did not indicate an increased risk of premature birth.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure assessment based on reported IH cooker use; no quantitative IF-EMF measurements reported in abstract",
        "Internet-based cohort/panel recruitment may limit generalizability",
        "Only participants completing follow-up and with singleton births were analyzed (potential selection/attrition)",
        "Outcomes dichotomized (<37/≥37 weeks; <2500/≥2500 g), which may reduce sensitivity"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "intermediate-frequency EMF",
        "IF-EMF",
        "induction heating cooker",
        "pregnancy",
        "delivery outcomes",
        "birth weight",
        "gestational age",
        "premature birth",
        "internet-based cohort",
        "logistic regression"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "intermediate-frequency-emf",
            "weight": 0.90000000000000002220446049250313080847263336181640625,
            "reason": "Study explicitly concerns intermediate-frequency EMFs from induction heating cookers."
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}

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