Study type:
Epidemiological study
(observational study)
Reanalysis of risks of childhood leukaemia with distance from overhead power lines in the UK
epidem.
By:
Swanson J, Bunch KJ
Published in: J Radiol Prot 2018; 38 (3): N30-N35
Aim of study (acc. to author)
Endpoint/type of risk estimation
Type of risk estimation:
(odds ratio (OR))
Exposure
Assessment
- calculation: shortest distance between mother's residence at time of birth of the child and nearest powerline in year of birth based on data provided by distribution network operators
Exposure groups
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Group
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Description
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Group 1
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 0 - 50 m
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Group 2
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 50 - 100 m
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Group 3
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 100 - 150 m
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Group 4
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 150 - 200 m
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Group 5
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 200 - 250 m
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Group 6
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 250 - 300 m
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Group 7
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 300 - 350 m
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Group 8
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 350 - 400 m
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Group 9
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 400 - 450 m
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Group 10
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 450 - 500 m
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Group 11
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 500 - 550 m
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Group 12
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: 550 - 600 m
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Reference group 13
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distance of address at birth to nearest power line: > 600 m
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Population
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Group:
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Age:
0–14 years
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Observation period:
1962 - 2008
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Study location:
UK (England, Wales and Scotland)
Case group
Control group
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Selection:
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Matching:
- sex
- age
- birth registration sub-district
- case:control = 1:1
Statistical analysis method:
- conditional logistic regression
Results (acc. to author)
In the 1960s and 1970s, when an elevated risk for childhood leukemia was principally found, the risk did not fall monotonically with distance between residence and power line but had a maximum at 100–200 m (group 3 (100-150 m): OR 6.00, CI 0.72-49.84; group 4 (150-200 m): OR 10.00, CI 1.28-78.12).
The authors conclude that this weakens the evidence that any elevated risks are related to magnetic fields, and slightly strengthens the evidence for a possible effect involving residential mobility or other socioeconomic factors.
Study funded by
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