GERoNiMO project investigates health effects of electromagnetic fields

Launched in the beginning of 2014, the GERoNiMO (Generalised EMF Research using Novel Methods) project seeks to close gaps of knowledge on the health effects of electromagnetic fields and to reduce exposure to them. The Finnish participants in the international project are the University of Eastern Finland and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

New technologies using electromagnetic fields are becoming increasingly widespread. However, as research findings on their health effects are somewhat contradictory, there is concern over the related health risks.

"The GERoNiMO project aims to produce as much information as possible on the possible link between electromagnetic fields and cancer risk, reproductive health, brain function, neurodegenerative diseases, and ageing," Research Professor Maila Hietanen of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health explains.

The project studies the health effects of intermediate frequency fields (from a few kilohertz to some megahertz) utilized in various monitoring and surveillance equipment, as well as the health effects of radio frequency fields (usually over 900 megahertz) of wireless communication devices.

Finland responsible for the biology module

Finland's role in the GERoNiMO project is to be in charge of the biology module, which is led by the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Eastern Finland. The research carried out in Finland is mainly focused on intermediate frequency electromagnetic fields.

"These kinds of fields are used in several new technologies, for example in anti-theft devices in stores. They are becoming increasingly common in workplaces but thus far, their health effects have been studied only scarcely," says Professor Jukka Juutilainen, the leader of the project's biology module, of the University of Eastern Finland.

The project includes biological studies carried out in laboratories, epidemiological studies, and measurements of electromagnetic fields in workplaces.

The five-year Generalised EMF Research using Novel Methods project is funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the EU, and coordinated by Centre de Recerca en Epidemiologia Ambiental, CREAL, in Barcelona, Spain. The project brings together researchers of different disciplines – biology, engineering and physics, epidemiology and public health, radiation protection, and risk assessment and risk communication – from a total of 19 different research institutes and 13 different countries.
 

For further information, please contact

Professor Jukka Juutilainen, University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 44 716 3226, jukka.juutilainen[at]uef.fi
Research Professor Maila Hietanen, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 30 474 2714, maila.hietanen[at]ttl.fi
Senior Lecturer Jonne Naarala, University of Eastern Finland, tel. +358 40 355 3581, jonne.naarala[at]uef.fi
Researcher Maria Tiikkaja, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 30 474 2750, maria.tiikkaja[at]ttl.fi

GERoNiMO project
http://www.crealradiation.com/index.php/en/project-description/geronimo-project-description

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health researches, develops and specializes in well-being at work. It promotes occupational health and safety and the well-being of workers. It is an independent institution under public law, working under the administrative sector of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. It has six regional offices, and its headquarters are in Helsinki. It employs about 750 people.