Occupational Exposure to Nonionizing Radiation and Risk for Malignancy in Young Adults

Abstract

Overview

Introduction to the risks associated with nonionizing radiation (NIR), particularly in young military personnel, stimulates concerns due to its classification as “possibly carcinogenic to humans." The study's goal was to understand cancer risks by comparing incidence rates between exposed and non-exposed military groups.

Materials and Methods

• A retrospective cohort study spanning from 2009 to 2018.
• Subjects: Israel Defense Forces aerial defense unit members with NIR exposure vs. a matched control group without exposure.
• Methods: Followed for cancer incidence using Kaplan–Meier analysis and logistic regressions to adjust for potential confounders.

Findings

The study included total subjects — exposed (3,825) and comparison group (11,049). During the follow-up, cancer was diagnosed in 41 individuals, with slightly higher incidence in the exposed group (0.34%) compared to the control group (0.25%). However, statistical analysis showed no significant increase in cancer risk with an odds ratio of 1.34.

Conclusion

While there was a trend towards higher rates of certain malignancies in the NIR exposed group, the results did not statistically confirm increased cancer risk in the short-term follow-up. The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring and regulation of NIR exposures in military settings.

Excerpts

• Potential increase in hematological and testicular malignancies noted, but not statistically significant.
• Challenges include the short follow-up period and the small number of cancer cases relative to the cohort size, which may limit detection abilities.