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Neonatal incubators are important tools for sick newborns in the first few days of life. Nevertheless, their electric engine, often very close to the newborn's body, emits electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which newborns are exposed. Aim of this paper is to review the available literature on EMF exposure in incubators, and the effects of such exposures on newborns that have been investigated. We retrieved 15 papers that described the EMF exposure in incubators and their biological effects on babies. EMF levels in incubators appear to be between 2 and 100 mG, depending on the distance of the mattress from the electric engine. In some cases, they exceed this range. These values interfere with melatonin production or with vagal tone. Even caregivers are exposed to high EMF, above 200 mG, when working at close contact with the incubators. EMF have been described as potentially hazardous for human health, and values reported in this review are an alert to prevent babies' and caregivers' exposure when close to the incubators. A precautionary approach should be adopted in future incubator design, to prevent high exposures of newborns in incubators and of caregivers as well. I suggest the following sources: Fetal and neonatal efects of EMF http://bioinitiative.org/report/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/sec19_2012_Fetal_neonatal_effects_EMF.pdf Electromagnetic fields in neonatal incubators: the reasons for an alert.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28988507

Few places left for this unique symposium. It is a collaboration between UCL, KCL and Imperial College London and brings together 3 active research centres in the field of Neonatal Neuroprotection. The course will cover current and future treatments, Insight in imaging modalities and discuss outcomes Will also offer the opportunity for practical small group workshops on imaging, EEG, aEEG, legal aspects To register please go to http://www.guysandstthomasevents.co.uk/paediatrics-training/london-neonatal-neuroprotection-symposium/ A4 flyer - Neuroprotection 2014 low res.pdf

KCL, UCL, Imperial, Guys and St Thomas and Evelina London are organising a 2 day symposium on neonatal neurprotection, 29 - 30 May 2014 Details: http://www.guysandstthomasevents.co.uk/paediatrics-training/london-neonatal-neuroprotection-symposium/