Abstract

Overview

The Transformer Exposure study leverages new epidemiologic approaches to address the scientific uncertainty on the link between extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and childhood leukemia, focusing on children residing in buildings with built-in electrical transformers.

Objectives

• To assess the relationship between residential proximity to electrical transformers and the incidence of childhood leukemia in a multi-country context.
• Utilize a novel study design to include a significant number of highly exposed children while limiting selection bias.

Methods

Residential proximity to transformers and the risk of childhood leukemia were assessed using matched case-control data from registries in five countries, with exposure categorized based on the proximity of a child's apartment to the transformer.

Results

Analysis across multiple countries found 16 intermediate and 3 highly exposed cases. Relative risk estimates did not indicate a significantly elevated risk of childhood leukemia for either exposure category. Nonetheless, uncertainty remains due to small sample sizes and broad confidence intervals.

Discussion

While the study did not find strong evidence for an elevated leukemia risk from ELF-MF exposure near transformers, the possibility similar to risks identified in power line studies cannot be unequivocally excluded.

Conclusion

The study contributes important data to the ongoing investigation into ELF-MF and childhood leukemia but calls for further research due to the inconclusive findings.