Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Childhood leukaemia and distance from power lines in California: a population-based case-control study epidem.

Published in: Br J Cancer 2016; 115 (1): 122-128

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study of childhood leukemia risk and childhood CNS cancer was conducted in the population living near power lines in California, USA.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Group 1 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 0 - 50 m
Group 2 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 50 - 100 m
Group 3 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 100 - 200 m
Group 4 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 200 - 300 m
Group 5 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 300 - 400 m
Group 6 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 400 - 500 m
Group 7 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: 500 - 600 m
Reference group 8 distance of residential birth address from closest power line: ≥ 600 m

Population

Case group

Control group

Study size

Cases Controls
Eligible 10,503 -
Evaluable 9,096 9,096
Other:

5788 childhood leukemia and 3308 childhood CNS cancer cases

Statistical analysis method: (adjustment: )

Results (acc. to author)

For childhood leukemia, there were 22 cases and 15 controls at distance of residential birth address from closest power line of 0-50 m, and for CNS cancers, there were 7 controls and 8 cases at the same distance.
A statistically non-significant, slight increased risk for childhood leukemia was observed within 50m of a power line over 200 kV (OR 1.4, CI 0.7-2.7). There was no evidence of increased risk for distances beyond 50 m, for lower-voltage lines, or for CNS cancers.
The authors conclude that the study provides at most weak support for increased leukaemia risk for children living within 50 m of transmission lines of above 200 kV reported in other studies. Reports of increased risk for distances beyond 50 m were not replicated.

Study funded by

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