Pooled analysis of recent studies of magnetic fields and childhood leukemia

Authors: Aryana T. Amoon, John Swanson, Corrado Magnani, Christoffer Johansen, Leeka Kheifets

Year: 2021

Category: Environmental Research

Journal: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111993

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34481821/

Abstract

Overview

Investigations into the association between extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (MF) and childhood leukemia have been ongoing for decades, with numerous epidemiologic studies contributing data. Despite longer intervals between pooled analyses, the latest findings have emerged.

Methods

  • Utilized individual-level data comprising 24,994 cases and 30,769 controls from four recent studies.

Findings

The current pooled analysis deviates from earlier findings, presenting no increased risk of leukemia among children exposed to higher MF levels. Specifically, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.01 was observed for exposure levels ≥0.4 μT compared to <0.1 μT.

  • No heightened risk detected in various study subsets, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases or studies employing calculated fields.
  • Temporal decline in risk noted over successive studies, confirmed by meta-analysis showing an OR of 1.45 (95% CI: 0.95–2.20) for higher exposure levels.

Conclusion

While no direct association was found in the latest analysis and the risk seems to be decreasing over time, it is important to continually assess these findings as potential methodological variations, random fluctuations, or genuine diminishing effects could influence the results. Continued monitoring of electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure is essential for protecting public health, especially among vulnerable populations like children.

magnetic fields childhood leukemia epidemiology pooled analysis environmental health EMF safety
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