Calculated residential exposure to power frequency magnetic fields for an epidemiological study in France and comparison to measurements

Abstract

Overview

The GEOCAP epidemiological study focuses on pediatric cancers in France, examining the role of environmental factors, especially proximity to high voltage power lines and the resultant exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF).

Findings

• The study spans mainland France, analyzing cases from 2002 to 2010, with 4174 leukemia cases and 45000 controls.
• Residential exposure calculations were performed for 1124 subjects living close to power lines, potentially exposed to levels above the background reference of 0.1μT.
• Of these, 371 had exposures over 0.1μT, with 123 subjects experiencing more significant exposures above 0.4μT (representing 0.25% of the total study population).
• These high exposure readings were verified against an existing database of ELF-MF measurements near power lines, with comparably precise results for 80% of matched subjects.

Conclusion

Substantial exposure to ELF-MF due to proximity to power lines could represent a significant risk factor for developing leukemia. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate exposure assessment and continued monitoring to understand health implications fully.