Occupational exposure to high-frequency EMF and brain tumor risk in INTEROCC study

Authors: Vila J, Turner MC, Gracia-Lavedan E, Figuerola J, Bowman JD, Kincl L, Richardson L, Benke G, Hours M, Krewski D, McLean D, Parent ME, Sadetzki S, Schlaefer K, Schlehofer B, Schüz J, Siemiatycki J, van Tongeren M, Cardis E, INTEROCC Study Group

Year: 2018 Jul 8

Category: Environmental Health

Journal: Environmental International

Institution: Environment International

DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.038

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29996112

Abstract

Introduction

In 2011, the IARC classified RF EMF as potentially carcinogenic, highlighting the need for better assessments of exposure to RF and IF-EMF in occupational contexts.

Methods

Utilization of a source-exposure matrix and detailed interview data to assign individual indices of cumulative exposure for nearly 9000 participants.
Application of conditional logistic regression to analyze the risk associations between RF and IF-EMF exposure and brain tumor subtypes such as glioma and meningioma.

Results

While approximately 10% of participants had exposure to RF and 1% to IF-EMF, findings generally showed no clear positive correlation or were below an odds ratio of 1.0 for associated brain tumor risks.

Highest adjusted odds ratios indicated potential risks for highly exposed groups in recent exposure time windows:

Glioma OR = 1.62
Meningioma OR = 1.52

Conclusion

No definitive associations were found, yet signals observed for recent exposures suggest a possible role in tumor progression warranting further research.

Further investigative focus on RF magnetic fields, differences in exposure types, and the development of biological dose metrics are recommended to explore mechanisms beyond traditional assumptions.

← Back to Stats