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: Epidemiology

Journal: Environmental Research

Institution: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111993

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

Abstract

Overview

This study involves a comprehensive pooled analysis of data from recent research focusing on the relationship between extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (MF) and childhood leukemia. Over 24,994 cases and 30,769 controls from recent studies were pooled to better understand this potential health risk.

Findings

  • No significant increase in leukemia risk in children was associated with higher exposures (≥0.4 μT) to MF.
  • Analysis covered various subgroups including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and studies using different methods like calculated fields and geocoding.
  • Despite previous analyses suggesting some risk, recent comparative results show a decline in associations, with an overall odds ratio of 1.45 for higher exposures, yet this is not statistically significant (95% CI: 0.95–2.20).

Conclusion

The lack of strong association in this pooled analysis may indicate that previous links between MF and leukemia risk could be influenced by methodological factors, random variation, or a true decrease over time. Continuous investigation is important given the serious implications of increased EMF exposure in children.

magnetic fields childhood leukemia epidemiology pooled analysis EMF safety health risks
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