Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Occupational Magnetic Field Exposure and Myocardial Infarction Incidence epidem.

By: Ahlbom A, Feychting M, Gustavsson A, Hallqvist J, Johansen C, Kheifets L, Olsen J
Published in: Epidemiology 2004; 15 (4): 403-408
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Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was conducted in Sweden to investigate whether occupational magnetic field exposure increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction.

Further details

Magnetic field exposure was based on job titles 1, 5 and 10 years before diagnosis. Two approaches were used to classify exposure: specific individual job titles with presumed elevated exposure and classification of subjects according to a job-exposure matrix.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

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

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Group 1 electrical and electronical engineers and technicians
Group 2 train engine drivers
Group 3 welders
Group 4 installation, machine and electric power electricians
Group 5 radio and TV assemblers and repairmen
Group 6 telephone installers and repairmen
Reference group 7 magnetic field exposure level < 0.20 µT
Group 8 magnetic field exposure level 0.20 - < 0.30 µT
Group 9 magnetic field exposure level ≥ 0.30 µT

Population

Case group

Control group

Study size

Cases Controls
Eligible 1,485 2,088
Participants 695 1,133
Statistical analysis method: (adjustment: )

Results (acc. to author)

No increased risk of myocardial infarction in subjects classified as having elevated occupational magnetic field exposure was observed.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The study was restricted to men because the number of females with acute myocardial infarction in the relevant occupational groups were too small.

Study funded by

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