Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Magnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Swedish high-voltage power lines epidem.

Published in: Am J Epidemiol 1993; 138 (7): 467-481

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A population-based case-control study was conducted in Sweden to test the hypothesis that exposure to magnetic fields generated by high-voltage power lines increases cancer incidence in children.

Further details

Exposure was assessed by spot measurements and by calculations of the magnetic fields including information about the historical load of power lines.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (relative risk (RR))

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 magnetic fields, calculated: ≤ 0.09 µT
Group 2 magnetic fields, calculated: 0.1- 0.19 µT
Group 3 magnetic fields, calculated: ≥ 0.2 µT
Group 4 magnetic fields, calculated: 0.1-0.29 µT
Group 5 magnetic fields, calculated : ≥ 0.3 µT

Population

Case group

Control group

Study size

Cases Controls
Eligible 142 558
Evaluable 141 554
Other:

study base: 127 383 children living close to power lines

Statistical analysis method: (adjustment: )

Results (acc. to author)

An increased risk for leukemia in children and exposure to calculated historical magnetic fields above 0.2 µT was observed. For all cancers combined or for central nervous system tumors or lymphoma, there was no evidence of an association with calculated historical magnetic fields.

Study funded by

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