Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Magnetic fields exposure and childhood leukemia risk: a meta-analysis based on 11,699 cases and 13,194 controls epidem.

Published in: Leuk Res 2014; 38 (3): 269-274

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The association between magnetic field exposure of power lines and the childhood leukemia risk was investigated in a meta-analysis. Following nine studies were included: Michaelis et al, 1997 (Germany), Linet et al, 1997 (USA), Dockerty et al, 1998 (New Zealand), McBride et al, 1999 (Canada), Green et al, 1999 (Canada), Schüz et al, 2001 (Germany), Kabuto et al, 2006 (Japan), Kroll et al, 2010 (UK), and Malagoli et al, 2010 (Italy).

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 magnetic field strength: < 0.1 µT
Group 2 magnetic field strength: 0.1-0.2 µT
Group 3 magnetic field strength: 0.2-0.4 µT
Group 4 magnetic field strength: ≥ 0.4 µT
Reference group 5 magnetic field strength: < 0.2 µT
Group 6 magnetic field strength: ≥ 0.2 µT
Reference group 7 magnetic field strength: < 0.1 µT
Group 8 magnetic field strength: 0.1-0.2 µT
Group 9 magnetic field strength: 0.2-0.3 µT
Group 10 magnetic field strength: ≥ 0.3 µT

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 24,893
Other:

11,699 cases and 13,194 controls

Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

A statistically significant association between magnetic field intensity of ≥ 0.4 µT (reference level of < 0.1 µT) and childhood leukemia risk was observed (for total leukemia: OR 1.57, CI 1.03-2.40; for acute lymphocytic leukemia: OR 2.43, CI 1.30-4.55). On condition of the reference level of < 0.2 µT, the positive association between magnetic field intensity ≥ 0.2 µT and childhood leukemia was found (OR 1.31, CI = 1.06-1.61).
The authors concluded that magnetic field exposure level may be associated with childhood leukemia.

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