Study type:
Epidemiological study
(observational study)
Occupational Exposure to Electric Shocks and Magnetic Fields and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Sweden.
epidem.
By:
Fischer H, Kheifets L, Huss A, Peters TL, Vermeulen R, Ye W, Fang F, Wiebert P, Vergara XP, Feychting M
Published in: Epidemiology 2015; 26 (6): 824-830
Aim of study (acc. to author)
Further details
Endpoint/type of risk estimation
Type of risk estimation:
(odds ratio (OR))
Exposure
Assessment
Exposure groups
Group
|
Description
|
Reference group 1
|
magnetic field exposure: low
|
Group 2
|
magnetic field exposure: medium
|
Group 3
|
magnetic field exposure: high
|
Reference group 4
|
risk for electrical shocks: low
|
Group 5
|
risk for electrical shocks: medium
|
Group 6
|
risk for electrical shocks: high
|
Reference group 7
|
no electric occupations
|
Group 8
|
electric occupations including welders
|
Group 9
|
welders
|
Population
-
Group:
-
Age:
≥ 20 years
-
Observation period:
1991 - 2010
-
Study location:
Sweden
Case group
Control group
- living in Sweden
-
Selection:
-
Matching:
- sex
- birth year
- case:control = 1:5
Study size
|
Cases |
Controls |
Eligible |
5,020 |
25,100 |
Evaluable |
4,709 |
23,335 |
Statistical analysis method:
- conditional logistic regression
(
adjustment:
- residential area
- socioeconomic status
- education
)
Conclusion (acc. to author)
Overall, no associations between occupational exposure to magnetic fields or electric shocks and the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were observed. For individuals less than 65 years old, an increased risk was found with high electric shock exposure (OR 1.22, CI 1.03-1.43), however, not in the age group 65 years or older (OR 0.92, CI 0.81-1.05). Results were similar regardless which job exposure matrices, exposure definitions or cutpoints were used. No increased risk was found for electric occupations (including welders). For welders, no association was observed overall, although for welders less than 65 years an increased risk was observed (OR 1.52, CI 1.05-2.21). There was no evidence that electric shock was a confounder in the analyses of magnetic fields.
The authors concluded that previous observations of higher risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in electrical occupations were not confirmed in this study and only weak support for associations between electric shocks and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was provided.
Study funded by
-
Karolinska Institute, Sweden
-
Swedish Research Council (VR)
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
-
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA
-
Southern California NIOSH Education and Research Center, USA
-
Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (Forte), Sweden
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