Motor neuron disease risk and magnetic field exposures

Authors: Tom Sorahan, Linda Nichols

Year: 2021 Dec 23

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Occup Med (Lond)

Institution: Central Electricity Generating Board of England and Wales

DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab180

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34940878/

Abstract

Overview

Exploring the association between magnetic field exposures and motor neuron disease (MND) risks through observing a significant cohort in the UK.

Background

  • Existing research has identified potential positive associations between magnetic fields and MND risks, although a direct causal relationship remains unconfirmed.

Aims

Focus on the evaluation of MND risks linked to occupational magnetic field exposures in a sizable cohort from the UK.

Methods

  • Study involved following mortality among 37,986 former employees of the Central Electricity Generating Board of England and Wales from 1987 to 2018.
  • Magnetic field exposures were quantitatively assessed, and mortality rates compared against general population data using Poisson regression.

Findings

  • The mortality due to MND was in line with national rates, with certain categories of recent exposure showing weak positive connections.
  • No significant increasing trends in MND risks with exposure duration were concluded.

Conclusion

Whilst no clear elevated MND risk was found connected to lifetime occupational exposure to magnetic fields, the findings hint at the need for further research into recent exposure effects in additional datasets.

Funding

The study received financial aid from the Energy Networks Association, a body funded by UK's gas and electricity transmission and distribution license holders.

Motor neuron disease magnetic field exposure occupational health epidemiology electromagnetic fields
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