Exposure to magnetic fields from power lines & childhood asthma in Danish National Birth Cohort

Authors: Sudan M, Arah OA, Becker T, Levy Y, Sigsgaard T, Olsen J, Vergara X, Kheifets L

Year: 2017 May 17

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: PLoS One

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177651

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28545137

Abstract

Overview

The paper re-examines the link between magnetic field (MF) exposure from power lines and childhood asthma, leveraging data from the Danish National Birth Cohort.

Methods

  • Included data from 92,676 children and their mothers.
  • Estimated MF exposure during pregnancy and until the end of follow-up for children.
  • Exposure categorized into 0 μT, 0.1 μT, and ≥0.2 μT.
  • Utilized data from mothers' reports, a national hospitalization register, and a national prescription drug register to identify asthma cases.

Findings

No significant trends were observed in asthma risk in relation to MF exposure levels. The analysis considers multiple source definitions and adjusts for confounders without notable changes in the results.

Conclusion

The lack of evidence supporting an increased risk of childhood asthma from residential MF exposure during pregnancy or early childhood is emphasized. Although no direct biological mechanism linking MF exposure to asthma has been established, the study notes that high exposure rates were very rare in this cohort.

electromagnetic fields asthma childhood health magnetic field exposure epidemiological study health risk
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