Epidemiological study (observational study)

Morbidity experience in populations residentially exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields: methodology and preliminary findings of a cohort study epidem.

By: Fazzo L, Tancioni V, Polichetti A, Iavarone I, Vanacore N, Papini P, Farchi S, Bruno C, Pasetto R, Borgia P, Comba P

Published in: Int J Occup Environ Health 2009; 15 (2): 133-142

A cohort study was conducted in Italy to investigate the morbidity experience in a population residentially exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields.

measurement: measurement of magnetic flux density in different dwellings at distances up to 40 meters from the power line
calculation: time-weighted average (TWA) of the magnetic flux density based on geometric configuration of the power line, the electric current data and the position of dwellings relative to the power line

Group	Description
Group 1	duration of residence up to 40 meters from the power line: 0-9 years
Group 2	duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 10-19 years
Group 3	duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 20-29 years
Group 4	duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 30-39 years
Group 5	duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: ≥ 40 years
Group 6	sub-area R: distance to power line > 33 m, TWA magnetic flux density < 0.17 µT
Group 7	sub-area A: distance to power line < 28 m, TWA magnetic flux density: 0.19 to 3 µT
Group 8	sub-area B: distance to power line partially < 28 or < 33 m, TWA values possibly present in sub-areas R and A

Group:
- men
- women
Characteristics: residents of Longarina living in a distance up to 40 meters from the power line
Observation period: 1954 - 2003, follow-up January 1998 - December 2003
Study location: Italy (Longarina)
Data source: hospital discharge records of the Latium region
Exclusion criteria: dead before January 1, 1998 (start of follow-up)

Type	Value
Total	357
Participants	345

83 first visit hospital discharges for the selected causes were recorded in the six-year observation time. Among the cohort statistically not significant increases were found for all cancers and primary cancers. A significant increase for primary cancers (n=10) were observed among subjects living for more than 30 years close to a power line. A significant increase for all neoplasms (n=16), primary cancers and secondary cancers as well for ischaemic diseases (n=6) were found among residents of sub-area A with the highest exposure.

The results are based on low numbers and should be verified by a pooled analysis of similar residentials cohorts.

Italian Agency for Environmental Protection and Technical Services (Agenzia per la Protezione dell'Ambiente e per i servizi Tecnici, APAT, ISPRA institute), Italy

Khan MW et al. (2021): A cohort study on adult hematological malignancies and brain tumors in relation to magnetic fields from indoor transformer stations
Malagoli C et al. (2010): Risk of hematological malignancies associated with magnetic fields exposure from power lines: a case-control study in two municipalities of northern Italy
Kheifets L et al. (2010): A Pooled Analysis of Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Childhood Brain Tumors
Mezei G et al. (2008): Residential Magnetic Field Exposure and Childhood Brain Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
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Greenland S et al. (2000): A pooled analysis of magnetic fields, wire codes, and childhood leukemia. Childhood Leukemia-EMF Study Group