ID Number		619
Study Type		Epidemiology
Model		156-162 MHz (PW - radar transmitters in Skrunda, Latvia) exposure to children in the surrounding region and analysis of cognitive function plus effects pn pine trees.
Details		Children living within a 20-km radius of the Skrunda radar station (some areas in direct line of exposure to Russian radar station of having 2 radar transmitters emitting PW RF at 156-162 MHz at 1.25 mW, pulse duration of 0.8 msec, 24.4 Hz pulse repetition frequency, interpulse interval of 41 msec; mean field intensity at homes facing transmitters was ~ 6.13 V/m) were examined using a Polytest 8802 battery. In children living in regions most exposed to radar, there was a statistically significant decrease in sound and visual reaction, tapping times (a measure of neuromuscular function), memory, and attention. The authors conclude that children living in the exposed zone in front of the Skrunda station performed worse in psychophysical tests than children living in other regions more protected from the radar beam. Other authors reported decreased growth in pine trees and changes in the morphology of local duckweed plants (spirodela polyrhiza Schleiden)
Findings		Effects
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		University of Latvia
Funding Agency		Private/Instit.
Country		LATVIA
References		Kolodynska, G et al. Sci. Total Environ., (1996) 180:87-93 Brumelis, G et al. Sci. Total Environ., (1996) 180:49-50 Balodis, V et al. Science of the Total Environment., (1996) 180:57-64
Comments		There was no appropriate internal control, children from one geographical area in direct line of exposure were compared with children living in totally different areas. There may have been any number of physical, socio-economic, genetic / related ancestory, sampling, schooling, chemical, or other factors that could have contributed to the differences (if in fact the differences are reproducible at all).