Biomonitoring of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and television broadcasting transmitters.
OBJECTIVE
Metabolites of estrogen (estrone-3-glucuronide [E1G]) and melatonin (6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate [6-OHMS]) were characterized among women living in a community with increased radiofrequency (RF) exposure from radio and television transmitters.


METHODS
RF spot measurements, and personal 60-Hz magnetic field and residential parameters were collected. Overnight urine samples were assayed for E1G and 6-OHMS excretion.


RESULTS
Among premenopausal women, there were no associations between RF or 60-Hz nonionizing radiation and E1G or 6-OHMS excretion. Among postmenopausal women, increased residential RF exposures, transmitter proximity and visibility, and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were significantly associated with increased E1G excretion. This association was strongest among postmenopausal women with low overnight 6-OHMS levels.


CONCLUSIONS
RF and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were associated with increased E1G excretion among postmenopausal women. Women with reduced nocturnal 6-OHMS excretion may represent a sensitive subgroup.
Clark
Maggie L
ML
Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Burch
James B
JB
Yost
Michael G
MG
Zhai
Yusheng
Y
Bachand
Annette M
AM
Fitzpatrick
Cole T E
CT
Ramaprasad
Jaya
J
Cragin
Lori A
LA
Reif
John S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015415:Biomarkers; D002648:Child; D004559:Electric Wiring; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011840:Radiation, Nonionizing / Q000009:adverse effects
D015415:Biomarkers; D004967:Estrogens; D008550:Melatonin