Epidemiological study

Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study epidem.

By: Filippini T, Tesauro M, Fiore M, Malagoli C, Consonni M, Violi F, Iacuzio L, Arcolin E, Oliveri Conti G, Cristaldi A, Zuccarello P, Zucchi E, Mazzini L, Pisano F, Gagliardi I, Patti F, Mandrioli J, Ferrante M, Vinceti M

Published in: Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17 (8): E2882

Download citation in RIS format

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was conducted in Italy to investigate the association between occupational and residential exposure to electromagnetic fields and the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore several other environmental and occupational factors were considered. In this extraction, only the data on electromagnetic fields are presented.

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	exposure to overall electro-magnetic factors: no
Group 2	exposure to overall electro-magnetic factors: yes
Reference group 3	exposure to electric and electronic equipment: no
Group 4	exposure to electric and electronic equipment: yes
Reference group 5	exposure to overall electromagnetic fields: no
Group 6	exposure to overall electromagnetic fields: yes
Reference group 7	having lived near overhead power lines: no
Group 8	having lived near overhead power lines: yes

Population

Group:
- men
- women
Observation period: 2008 - 2011; province Novara 2002 - 2012
Study location: Italy (Novara, Catania, Modena and Reggio Emilia provinces)

Case group

Characteristics: patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Data source: Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta Registry (PARALS) and Emilia-Romagna Registry (ERRALS), directories of death certificates, hospital discharge records, and drug prescriptions

Control group

Selection:
- population-based
Matching:
- age
- area
- 5-year age group
- case:control = 1:4

Study size

	Cases	Controls
Total	230	1,218
Participants	95	135

Statistical analysis method:

unconditional logistic regression

(adjustment:

sex
age
education

)

Results (acc. to author)

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields showed a statistically non-significant increased risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (OR 1.69, CI 0.70–4.09). Additionally, a statistically significant increased risk with the proximity of the residence to overhead power lines was found (OR 2.41, CI 1.13–5.12).
The authors concluded that an association between either occupational or environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields and the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was observed.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The findings, however, need to be interpreted with caution due to small sample size and uncertainties of the mechanisms involved in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Study funded by

Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL) di Reggio Emilia (Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia), Italy
Ministero dell' Università e della Ricerca (MIUR (formerly MURST (Ministero dell' Università e della Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica); Ministry of University and Research), Italy

Filippini T et al. (2021): Residential exposure to electromagnetic fields and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a dose-response meta-analysis
Jalilian H et al. (2021): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and electric shocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Röösli M et al. (2018): A meta-analysis on residential exposure to magnetic fields and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Seelen M et al. (2014): Residential exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and the risk of ALS
Frei P et al. (2013): Residential Distance to High-voltage Power Lines and Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases: a Danish Population-based Case-Control Study
Zhou H et al. (2012): Association between Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Occupations and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
Das K et al. (2012): Familial, environmental, and occupational risk factors in development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Marcilio I et al. (2011): Adult mortality from leukemia, brain cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and magnetic fields from power lines: a case-control study in Brazil
Huss A et al. (2009): Residence near power lines and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases: longitudinal study of the Swiss population
Röösli M et al. (2007): Mortality from neurodegenerative disease and exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields: 31 years of observations on Swiss railway employees
Weisskopf MG et al. (2005): Prospective study of occupation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mortality
Hakansson N et al. (2003): Neurodegenerative diseases in welders and other workers exposed to high levels of magnetic fields
Feychting M et al. (2003): Occupational Magnetic Field Exposure and Neurodegenerative Disease
Noonan CW et al. (2002): Occupational exposure to magnetic fields in case-referent studies of neurodegenerative diseases
Johansen C (2000): Exposure to electromagnetic fields and risk of central nervous system disease in utility workers
Johansen C et al. (1998): Mortality from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, other chronic disorders, and electric shocks among utility workers
Savitz DA et al. (1998): Electrical occupations and neurodegenerative disease: analysis of U.S. mortality data
Savitz DA et al. (1998): Magnetic field exposure and neurodegenerative disease mortality among electric utility workers
Davanipour Z et al. (1997): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields
Gunnarsson LG et al. (1991): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Sweden in relation to occupation
Deapen DM et al. (1986): A case-control study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis