Epidemiological study

Magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage power lines and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in two Italian populations epidem.

By: Vinceti M, Malagoli C, Fabbi S, Kheifets L, Violi F, Poli M, Caldara S, Sesti D, Violanti S, Zanichelli P, Notari B, Fava R, Arena A, Calzolari R, Filippini T, Iacuzio L, Arcolin E, Mandrioli J, Fini N, Odone A, Signorelli C, Patti F, Zappia M, Pietrini V, Oleari P, Teggi S, Ghermandi G, Dimartino A, Ledda C, Mauceri C, Sciacca S, Fiore M, Ferrante M

Published in: Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18 (7-8): 583-589

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Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was conducted in Italy to investigate the association between residential exposure to magnetic fields from power lines and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in two regions characterized by different environmental and life-style characteristics.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Type of risk estimation:

incidence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

calculation: distance between residence and power lines based on geocoded data, magnetic flux intensity was calculated including phases and the most frequent disposition of conductors, average current flow and voltage for all power lines

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	magnetic flux density: < 0.1 µT
Group 2	magnetic flux density: 0.1 - < 0.2 µT
Group 3	magnetic flux density: 0.2 - < 0.4 µT
Group 4	magnetic flux density: ≥ 0.4 µT
Reference group 5	magnetic flux density: < 0.1 µT
Group 6	magnetic flux density: ≥ 0.1 µT

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Observation period: 1998 - 2011
Study location: Italy (Emilia-Romagna region and province of Catania)

Case group

Data source: ALS Registry and National Health Service databases in Emilia-Romagna region and Policlinic Hospital and the Local Health Unit of Catania

Control group

Selection:
- population-based

Study size

	Cases	Controls
Total	718	2,872
Evaluable	703	2,737

Statistical analysis method:

conditional logistic regression
unconditional logistic regression

(adjustment:

age
sex
year of diagnosis, residence (urban/rural)

)

Results (acc. to author)

Only 6 cases and 35 controls were exposed to calculated magnetic flux density of more than 0.1 µT.
Overall, no association between residential exposure to high-voltage power lines and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was found (group 6: OR 0.65, CI 0.27–1.55). No dose-response relationship was observed in the groups 2, 3 and 4. These results were confirmed in subgroup analyses (e.g. age at onset, sex or length of exposure).
The authors conclude that the exposure to magnetic fields from power lines occurring in the general population is not associated with increased amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk.

Study funded by

Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL) di Reggio Emilia (Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia), Italy
Italian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (AISLA)

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