Epidemiological study (observational study)

50-Hz electromagnetic environment and the incidence of childhood tumors in Stockholm County epidem.

By: Tomenius L

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 1986; 7 (2): 191-207

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was performed in Sweden to investigate the possible association between childhood tumors and magnetic fields from overhead power lines and other electromagnetic sources.

Further details

Exposure was assessed by measurement of the magnetic fields at the dwellings where the child lived at the time of birth and diagnosis. The occurences of visible electrical configurations was noted for each dwelling within 150 m.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

all childhood cancer

Type of risk estimation:

incidence

(relative risk (RR))

Exposure

Assessment

measurement: magnetic field (50 Hz) outside the entrance door, visible electrical structures within 150 m of the dwelling were noted

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	magnetic field: < 0.3 µT; 200-kV wires > 150 m away from dwelling
Group 2	magnetic field: ≥ 0.3 µT; 200-kV wires > 150 m away from dwelling
Group 3	magnetic field: < 0.3 µT; 200-kV wires ≤ 150 m away from dwelling
Group 4	magnetic field: ≥ 0.3 µT; 200-kV wires ≤ 150 m away from dwelling

Population

Group:
- children
Age: 0–18 years
Observation period: 1958 - 1973
Study location: Sweden (county of Stockholm)

Case group

Characteristics: tumor
Data source: Swedish Cancer Registry
Exclusion criteria: not having permanent address in the county of Stockholm

Control group

Selection:
- population-based
Matching:
- sex
- age
- church district of birth
- case:control = 1:1

Study size

	Cases	Controls
Eligible	891	-
Participants	716	716

Statistical analysis method:

Chi-square test

Results (acc. to author)

Visible 200-kV wires were observed at 45 of 2,098 dwellings, and were found twice as frequently among cases as among controls. Magnetic fields of 0.3 µT and more were measured at 48 dwellings, and were also found twice as frequently among cases as among controls.

Study funded by

Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden
Swedish State Power Board (SSPB)
Sydkraft AB, Sweden

Swanson J et al. (2019): Changes over time in the reported risk for childhood leukaemia and magnetic fields
Leitgeb N (2015): Synoptic Analysis Clarifies Childhood Leukemia Risk from ELF Magnetic Field Exposure
Kheifets L et al. (2010): A Pooled Analysis of Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and Childhood Brain Tumors
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
Saito T et al. (2010): Power-frequency magnetic fields and childhood brain tumors: a case-control study in Japan
Mezei G et al. (2008): Residential Magnetic Field Exposure and Childhood Brain Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Schüz J et al. (2001): Risk factors for pediatric tumors of the central nervous system: results from a German population-based case-control study
Greenland S et al. (2000): A pooled analysis of magnetic fields, wire codes, and childhood leukemia. Childhood Leukemia-EMF Study Group
Thomas DC et al. (1999): Residential magnetic fields predicted from wiring configurations: II. Relationships To childhood leukemia
Angelillo IF et al. (1999): Residential exposure to electromagnetic fields and childhood leukaemia: a meta-analysis
Michaelis J et al. (1998): Combined risk estimates for two German population-based case-control studies on residential magnetic fields and childhood acute leukemia
Michaelis J et al. (1997): Childhood leukemia and electromagnetic fields: results of a population-based case-control study in Germany
Preston-Martin S et al. (1996): Los Angeles study of residential magnetic fields and childhood brain tumors
Lin RS et al. (1994): Risk of childhood leukemia in areas passed by high power lines
Feychting M et al. (1993): Magnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Swedish high-voltage power lines
Savitz DA et al. (1993): Childhood cancer in relation to a modified residential wire code
London SJ et al. (1991): Exposure to residential electric and magnetic fields and risk of childhood leukemia
Coleman MP et al. (1989): Leukaemia and residence near electricity transmission equipment: a case-control study
Savitz DA et al. (1988): Case-control study of childhood cancer and exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields
Fulton JP et al. (1980): Electrical wiring configurations and childhood leukemia in Rhode Island