1
|
Norzaee S, Yunesian M, Ghorbanian A, Farzadkia M, Rezaei Kalantary R, Kermani M, Nourbakhsh SMK, Eghbali A. Examining the relationship between land use and childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12417. [PMID: 38816573 PMCID: PMC11139882 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to explore the association between proximity to various land use types and childhood leukemia and lymphoma. This research involved 428 cases of childhood leukemia and lymphoma (2016-2021), along with a control group of 428 children aged 1-15 in Tehran. We analyzed the risk of childhood cancer associated with land use by employing logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors such as parental smoking and family history. The odds ratio (OR) for children with leukemia and lymphoma residing within 100 m of the nearest highway was 1.87 (95% CI = 1.00-3.49) and 1.71 (95% CI = 1.00-2.93), respectively, in comparison to those living at a distance of 1000 m or more from a highway. The OR for leukemia with exposure to petrol stations within 100 m was 2.15 (95% CI = 1.00-4.63), and for lymphoma it was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.47-2.50). A significant association was observed near power lines (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 0.97-9.55) within < 100 m for leukemia. However, no significant association was observed between power lines and the incidence of childhood lymphoma. There was no association between bus stations, major road class 2, and the incidence of childhood leukemia and lymphoma. In conclusion, our results suggest a possible association between the incidence of childhood leukemia and proximity to different urban land uses (i.e., highways and petrol stations). This study is the first step in understanding how urban land use affects childhood leukemia and lymphoma in Tehran. However, comprehensive studies considering individual-level data and specific pollutants are essential for a more nuanced understanding of these associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Norzaee
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masud Yunesian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research, Institute of Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arsalan Ghorbanian
- Department of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Farzadkia
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Rezaei Kalantary
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Kermani
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad-Kazem Nourbakhsh
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Section, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aziz Eghbali
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Malavolti M, Malagoli C, Wise LA, Poli M, Notari B, Taddei I, Fabbi S, Teggi S, Balboni E, Pancaldi A, Palazzi G, Vinceti M, Filippini T. Residential exposure to magnetic fields from transformer stations and risk of childhood leukemia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:118043. [PMID: 38145739 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have documented an increased risk of leukemia among children exposed to magnetic fields from high-voltage power lines, with some evidence of dose-response relation. However, findings in some studies have been inconsistent, and data on the effects of different sources of exposure are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the relation of childhood leukemia risk to exposure to magnetic fields from transformer stations. METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study in a pediatric population of two Northern Italian provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. We included 182 registry-identified childhood leukemia cases diagnosed during 1998-2019 and 726 population controls matched on sex, year of birth, and province of residence. We assessed exposure by calculating distance from childhood residence to the nearest transformer station within a geographical information system, computing disease odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. We evaluated exposure using two buffers (15 m and 25 m radius) and assessed two case groups: leukemia (all subtypes) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). RESULTS Residing within 15 m of a transformer station (vs. ≥15 m) was not appreciably associated with risk of leukemia (all subtypes) or ALL. We found similar results using a less stringent exposure buffer (25 m). Among children aged ≥5 years, the adjusted ORs were 1.3 (95% CI 0.1-12.8) for leukemia and 1.3 (95% CI 0.1-12.4) for ALL using the 15 m buffer, while they were 1.7 (95% CI 0.4-7.0) for leukemia and 0.6 (95% CI 0.1-4.8) for ALL using the 25 m buffer. CONCLUSIONS While we found no overall association between residential proximity to transformer stations and childhood leukemia, there was some evidence for elevated risk of childhood leukemia among children aged ≥5 years. Precision was limited by the low numbers of exposed children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Malavolti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlotta Malagoli
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Barbara Notari
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Irene Taddei
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Sara Fabbi
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Balboni
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Health Physics Unit, Modena Policlinico University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Pancaldi
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palazzi
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nguyen A, Crespi CM, Vergara X, Kheifets L. Pesticides as a potential independent childhood leukemia risk factor and as a potential confounder for electromagnetic fields exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:116899. [PMID: 37598846 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both pesticides and high magnetic fields are suspected to be childhood leukemia risk factors. Pesticides are utilized at commercial plant nurseries, which sometimes occupy the areas underneath high-voltage powerlines. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether potential pesticide exposures (intended use, chemical class, active ingredient) utilized at plant nurseries act as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor or as a confounder for proximity to, or magnetic fields exposure from, high-voltage powerlines. METHODS We conducted a state-wide records-based case-control study for California with 5788 childhood leukemia cases and 5788 controls that examined specific pesticide use, magnetic field exposures and distances to both powerlines and plant nurseries. Exposure assessment incorporated geographic information systems, aerial satellite images, and other historical information. RESULTS Childhood leukemia risk was potentially elevated for several active pesticide ingredients: permethrin (odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.83-2.67), chlorpyrifos (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.89-1.87), dimethoate (OR 1.79, 95% CI 0.85-3.76), mancozeb (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.85-2.33), oxyfluorfen (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.75-2.66), oryzalin (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.97-2.63), and pendimethalin (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.81-2.25). Rodenticide (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.78-2.56) and molluscicide (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.82-1.81) exposure also presented potentially elevated childhood leukemia risks. Childhood leukemia associations with calculated fields or powerline proximity did not materially change after adjusting for pesticide exposure. Childhood leukemia risks with powerline proximity remained similar when pesticide exposures were excluded. DISCUSSION Pesticide exposure may be an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure were not explained by pesticide exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - C M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - X Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - L Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brabant C, Geerinck A, Beaudart C, Tirelli E, Geuzaine C, Bruyère O. Exposure to magnetic fields and childhood leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:229-253. [PMID: 35302721 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The association between childhood leukemia and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) generated by power lines and various electric appliances has been studied extensively during the past 40 years. However, the conditions under which ELF-MF represent a risk factor for leukemia are still unclear. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relation between ELF-MF from several sources and childhood leukemia. We have systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and DARE to identify each article that has examined the relationship between ELF-MF and childhood leukemia. We have performed a global meta-analysis that takes into account the different measures used to assess magnetic field exposure: magnetic flux density measurements (<0.2 µT vs. >0.2 µT), distances between the child's home and power lines (>200 m vs. <200 m) and wire codings (low current configuration vs. high current configuration). Moreover, meta-analyses either based on magnetic flux densities, on proximity to power lines or on wire codings have been performed. The association between electric appliances and childhood leukemia has also been examined. Of the 863 references identified, 38 studies have been included in our systematic review. Our global meta-analysis indicated an association between childhood leukemia and ELF-MF (21 studies, pooled OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.49), an association mainly explained by the studies conducted before 2000 (earlier studies: pooled OR=1.51; 95% CI 1.26-1.80 vs. later studies: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.84-1.29). Our meta-analyses based only on magnetic field measurements indicated that the magnetic flux density threshold associated with childhood leukemia is higher than 0.4 µT (12 studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.80; acute lymphoblastic leukemia alone: seven studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.88; 95% CI 1.31-2.70). Lower magnetic fields were not associated with leukemia (12 studies, 0.1-0.2 µT: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.88-1.24; 0.2-0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.07; 95% CI 0.87-1.30). Our meta-analyses based only on distances (five studies) showed that the pooled ORs for living within 50 m and 200 m of power lines were 1.11 (95% CI 0.81-1.52) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.85-1.12), respectively. The pooled OR for living within 50 m of power lines and acute lymphoblastic leukemia analyzed separately was 1.44 (95% CI 0.72-2.88). Our meta-analyses based only on wire codings (five studies) indicated that the pooled OR for the very high current configuration (VHCC) was 1.23 (95% CI 0.72-2.10). Finally, the risk of childhood leukemia was increased after exposure to electric blankets (four studies, pooled OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.71-4.42) and, to a lesser extent, electric clocks (four studies, pooled OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.01-1.60). Our results suggest that ELF-MF higher than 0.4 µT can increase the risk of developing leukemia in children, probably acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Prolonged exposure to electric appliances that generate magnetic fields higher than 0.4 µT like electric blankets is associated with a greater risk of childhood leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Brabant
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Psychology, Cognition and Behavior, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anton Geerinck
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Beaudart
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ezio Tirelli
- Department of Psychology, Cognition and Behavior, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christophe Geuzaine
- Department of Electricity, Electronics and Computer Sciences (Montefiore Institute), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Bruyère
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculo-Skeletal Health and Ageing, Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Malagoli C, Malavolti M, Wise LA, Balboni E, Fabbi S, Teggi S, Palazzi G, Cellini M, Poli M, Zanichelli P, Notari B, Cherubini A, Vinceti M, Filippini T. Residential exposure to magnetic fields from high-voltage power lines and risk of childhood leukemia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023:116320. [PMID: 37271435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested an excess risk of leukemia among children living close to high-voltage power lines and exposed to magnetic fields. However, not all studies have yielded consistent results, and many studies may have been susceptible to confounding and exposure misclassification. METHODS We conducted a case-control study to investigate the risk of leukemia associated with magnetic field exposure from high-voltage power lines. Eligible participants were children aged 0-15 years residing in the Northern Italian provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. We included all 182 registry-identified childhood leukemia cases diagnosed in 1998-2019, and 726 age-, sex- and province-matched population controls. We assessed exposure by calculating distance from house to nearest power line and magnetic field intensity modelling at the subjects' residence. We used conditional logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with adjustment for potential confounders (distance from nearest petrol station and fuel supply within the 1000 m-buffer, traffic-related particulate and benzene concentrations, presence of indoor transformers, percentage of urban area and arable crops). RESULTS In multivariable analyses, the OR comparing children living <100 m from high-voltage power-lines with children living ≥400 m from power-lines was 2.0 (95% CI 0.8-5.0). Results did not differ substantially by age at disease diagnosis, disease subtype, or when exposure was based on modeled magnetic field intensity, though estimates were imprecise. Spline regression analysis showed an excess risk for both overall leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia among children with residential distances <100 m from power lines, with a monotonic inverse association below this cutpoint. CONCLUSIONS In this Italian population, close proximity to high-voltage power lines was associated with an excess risk of childhood leukemia, particularly among the youngest children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Malagoli
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marcella Malavolti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erica Balboni
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Health Physics Unit, Modena Policlinico University Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Fabbi
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sergio Teggi
- Department of Engineering 'Enzo Ferrari', University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palazzi
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Cellini
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Paolo Zanichelli
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | - Barbara Notari
- Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Energy (ARPAE), Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zagar T, Valic B, Kotnik T, Korat S, Tomsic S, Zadnik V, Gajsek P. Estimating exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields near high-voltage power lines and assessment of possible increased cancer risk among Slovenian children and adolescents. Radiol Oncol 2023; 57:59-69. [PMID: 36609540 PMCID: PMC10039480 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2023-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some previous research showed that average daily exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) of more than 0.3 or 0.4 μT could potentially increase risk of childhood leukaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS To allow calculations of ELF MF around high voltage (HV) power lines (PL) for the whole Slovenia, a new three-dimensional method including precision terrain elevation data was developed to calculate the long-term average ELF MF. Data on population of Slovenian children and adolescents and on cancer patients with leukaemia's aged 0-19 years, brain tumours at age 0-29, and cancer in general at age 0-14 for a 12-year period 2005-2016 was obtained from the Slovenian Cancer Registry. RESULTS According to the large-scale calculation for the whole country, only 0.5% of children and adolescents under the age of 19 in Slovenia lived in an area near HV PL with ELF MF density greater than 0.1 μT. The risk of cancer for children and adolescents living in areas with higher ELF MF was not significantly different from the risk of their peers. CONCLUSIONS The new method enables relatively fast calculation of the value of low-frequency magnetic fields for arbitrary loads of the power distribution network, as the value of each source for arbitrary load is calculated by scaling the value for nominal load, which also enables significantly faster adjustment of calculated estimates in the power distribution network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Zagar
- Slovenian Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaz Valic
- INIS - Institute for Non-Ionizing Radiation, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Kotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Korat
- Slovenian Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Tomsic
- Slovenian Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Zadnik
- Slovenian Cancer Registry, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Peter Gajsek
- INIS - Institute for Non-Ionizing Radiation, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Physical Differences between Man-Made and Cosmic Microwave Electromagnetic Radiation and Their Exposure Limits, and Radiofrequencies as Generators of Biotoxic Free Radicals. RADIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/radiation2040022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The critical arguments for radiofrequency radiation exposure limits are currently based on the principle that radio frequencies (RF) and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are non-ionising, and their exposure limits are even 100-fold lower than those emitted from the Sun in the whole RF-EMF spectrum. Nonetheless, this argument has been challenged by numerous experimental and theoretical studies on the diverse biological effects of RF-EMF at much lower power density (W/m2) levels than today’s exposing limits. On the other hand, less attention has been given to counterarguments based on the differences in the physics concepts underlying man-made versus natural electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and on the fact that man’s biology has been adapted to the natural EMR levels reaching Earth’s surface at single EMF wavelengths, which are the natural limits of man’s exposure to EMFs. The article highlights the main points of interaction of natural and man-made radiation with biomatter and reveals the physical theoretical background that explains the effects of man-made microwave radiation on biological matter. Moreover, the article extends its analysis on experimental quantum effects, establishing the “ionising-like” effects of man-made microwave radiation on biological matter.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nguyen A, Crespi CM, Vergara X, Kheifets L. Commercial outdoor plant nurseries as a confounder for electromagnetic fields and childhood leukemia risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113446. [PMID: 35550811 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Close residential proximity to powerlines and high magnetic fields exposure may be associated with elevated childhood leukemia risks as reported by prior studies and pooled analyses. Magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines is associated with proximity to these powerlines and consequently with any factor varying with distance. Areas underneath powerlines in California may be sites for commercial plant nurseries that can use pesticides, a potential childhood leukemia risk factor. OBJECTIVES Assess if potential pesticide exposure from commercial plant nurseries is a confounder or interacts with proximity or magnetic fields exposure from high-voltage powerlines to increase childhood leukemia risk. METHODS A comprehensive childhood leukemia record-based case-control study with 5788 cases and 5788 controls (born and diagnosed in California, 1986-2008) was conducted. Pesticide, powerline, and magnetic field exposure assessment utilized models that incorporated geographical information systems, aerial satellite images, site visits and other historical information. RESULTS The relationship for calculated fields with childhood leukemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-3.23) slightly attenuated when controlling for nursery proximity (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.65-3.16) or restricting analysis to subjects living far (>300 m) from nurseries (OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.79-2.60). A similar association pattern was observed between distance to high-voltage powerlines and childhood leukemia. The association between nursery proximity and childhood leukemia was unchanged or only slightly attenuated when controlling for calculated fields or powerline distance; ORs remained above 2 when excluding subjects with high calculated fields or close powerline proximity (OR 2.16, 95% CI 0.82-5.67 and OR 2.15, 95% CI 0.82-5.64, respectively). The observed relationships were robust to different time periods, reference categories, and cut points. DISCUSSION Close residential proximity to nurseries is suggested as an independent childhood leukemia risk factor. Our results do not support plant nurseries as an explanation for observed childhood leukemia risks for powerline proximity and magnetic fields exposure, although small numbers of subjects concurrently exposed to high magnetic fields, close powerline proximity and plant nurseries limited our ability to fully assess potential confounding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - C M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - X Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - L Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Leopold SS. Editor's Spotlight/Take 5: Discussing Two Systematic Reviews With Opposing Conclusions on Shoulder Pain After Vaccine Administration. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2022; 480:1234-1240. [PMID: 35604346 PMCID: PMC9191294 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Seth S Leopold
- Editor-in-Chief, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® , Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031339. [PMID: 35163262 PMCID: PMC8835851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes.
Collapse
|
11
|
Azuma K, Uchiyama I, Kunugita N. Potential factors affecting chronic chemical intolerance associated with constitutional predisposition or lifestyle and environment during childhood: From a six-year follow-up study. J Psychosom Res 2021; 151:110665. [PMID: 34763204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Japanese chemical intolerance (JCI) study was conducted in January 2012 with a cohort of 7245 adults from population-based sampling. This study aimed to investigate the childhood constitutional and environmental factors involved in the development of chronic CI from the prospective cohort study. METHODS In the cohort, 4683 persons were identified after six years. Self-reported questionnaires were administered to the subjects to obtain information on CI status; medical history; constitution, lifestyle, and housing environment during childhood; and recent psychosomatic states. We assessed the differences between individuals with persisting CI status during the follow-up (defined as chronic CI) and controls not having CI status during the follow-up. RESULTS A total of 2500 individuals responded. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between chronic CI and motion sickness to car or bus and allergic conjunctivitis during childhood. Significant associations between a possible increased risk of CI and the existence of high-voltage power lines close to housing, the use of vinyl covering in wall material, the use of strong perfume by a family member, and the experience of stinky odor of paint or wax at elementary school were observed. However, the use of carpet in floor material and plaster coating in wall material was associated with a possible decreased risk of CI. CONCLUSIONS Some potential constitutional predisposition from childhood, including inherent susceptibility in the autonomic nervous system may be involved in the development of CI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama 589-8511, Japan; Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Wako 351-0197, Japan.
| | - Iwao Uchiyama
- Sick-house Medical Science Laboratory, Division of Basic Research, Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan.
| | - Naoki Kunugita
- Occupational and Community Health Nursing Division, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan; Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health, Wako 351-0197, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gervasi F, Murtas R, Decarli A, Russo AG. Residential distance from high-voltage overhead power lines and risk of Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease: a population-based case-control study in a metropolitan area of Northern Italy. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:1949-1957. [PMID: 31280302 PMCID: PMC6929536 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The association between the extremely low-frequency magnetic field generated by overhead power lines and neurodegenerative disease is still a matter of debate. Methods A population-based case-control study was carried out on the residents in the Milan metropolitan area between 2011 and 2016 to evaluate the possible association between exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields generated by high-voltage overhead power lines and Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease. A statistical analysis was performed on cases and controls matched by sex, year of birth and municipality of residence (with a case to controls ratio of 1 : 4) using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for socio-economic deprivation and distance from the major road network as potential confounders. Results Odds ratios for residents <50 m from the source of exposure compared with residents at ≥600 m turned out to be 1.11 (95% confidence interval: 0.95–1.30) for Alzheimer's dementia and 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–1.30) for Parkinson's disease. Conclusions The finding of a weak association between exposure to the extremely low-frequency magnetic field and neurodegenerative diseases suggests the continuation of research on this topic. Moreover, the low consistency between the results of the already existing studies emphasises the importance of increasingly refined study designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Gervasi
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Statistics, Biometrics, and Epidemiology "G A Maccacaro", Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rossella Murtas
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Decarli
- Epidemiology Unit, Agency for Health Protection of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Amoon AT, Swanson J, Vergara X, Kheifets L. Relationship between distance to overhead power lines and calculated fields in two studies. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2020; 40:431-443. [PMID: 32066122 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ab7730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is some evidence that both distance from transmission lines and measured or calculated magnetic fields are associated with childhood leukemia. Because distance is a key component when calculating the magnetic field generated by power lines, distance from lines and calculated fields based on lines tend to be highly correlated. Socioeconomic status (SES) and dwelling type are also associated with magnetic field exposure. We used exposure data from two large studies of childhood leukemia and other cancers, in the US and the UK, to describe a relationship between distance and magnetic fields across the population within 100 meters (m) of power lines as a whole and evaluate potential modifiers such as SES and type of dwelling. There were 387 subjects living within 100 m of an overhead power line. There was no significant difference in mean calculated fields or distance to 200+ kV lines within 100 m by study. Within the range where the power-line field is expected to be significant compared to other sources, which we take as 100 m, distance to high-voltage lines predicted magnetic field (MF) variation in both studies better than other functions of distance tested in both linear and logistic regression. There were no differences between high and low SES or dwelling types (single-family home versus other). In conclusion, we found that calculated fields do appear to diminish linearly with increasing distance from overhead power lines, up to 100 m, particularly those 200+ kV and above. These results are stronger in the UK study. Within 100 m, distance to high-voltage lines continues to be highly correlated with calculated MFs and each can be a proxy for the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A T Amoon
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States of America
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gaps in Knowledge Relevant to the "Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric and Magnetic Fields (1 Hz-100 kHz)". HEALTH PHYSICS 2020; 118:533-542. [PMID: 32251081 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sources of low-frequency fields are widely found in modern society. All wires or devices carrying or using electricity generate extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs), but they decline rapidly with distance to the source. High magnetic flux densities are usually found in the vicinity of power lines and close to equipment using strong electrical currents, but can also be found in buildings with unbalanced return currents, or indoor transformer stations. For decades, epidemiological as well as experimental studies have addressed possible health effects of exposure to ELF-MFs. The main goal of ICNIRP is to protect people and the environment from detrimental exposure to all forms of non-ionizing radiation (NIR). To this end, ICNIRP provides advice and guidance by developing and disseminating exposure guidelines based on the available scientific research. Research in the low-frequency range began more than 40 years ago, and there is now a large body of literature available on which ICNIRP set its protection guidelines. A review of the literature has been carried out to identify possible relevant knowledge gaps, and the aim of this statement is to describe data gaps in research that would, if addressed, assist ICNIRP in further developing guidelines and setting revised recommendations on limiting exposure to electric and magnetic fields. It is articulated in two parts: the main document, which reviews the science related to LF data gaps, and the annex, which explains the methodology used to identify the data gaps.
Collapse
|
15
|
The role of dwelling type when estimating the effect of magnetic fields on childhood leukemia in the California Power Line Study (CAPS). Cancer Causes Control 2020; 31:559-567. [PMID: 32277327 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-020-01299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The type of dwelling where a child lives is an important factor when considering residential exposure to environmental agents. In this paper, we explore its role when estimating the potential effects of magnetic fields (MF) on leukemia using data from the California Power Line Study (CAPS). In this context, dwelling type could be a risk factor, a proxy for other risk factors, a cause of MF exposure, a confounder, an effect-measure modifier, or some combination. METHODS We obtained information on type of dwelling at birth on over 2,000 subjects. Using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, we assessed whether dwelling type was a risk factor for childhood leukemia, which covariates and MF exposures were associated with dwelling type, and whether dwelling type was a potential confounder or an effect-measure modifier in the MF-leukemia relationship under the assumption of no-uncontrolled confounding. RESULTS A majority of children lived in single-family homes or duplexes (70%). Dwelling type was associated with race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status but not with childhood leukemia risk, after other adjustments, and did not alter the MF-leukemia relationship upon adjustment as a potential confounder. Stratification revealed potential effect-measure modification by dwelling type on the multiplicative scale. CONCLUSION Dwelling type does not appear to play a significant role in the MF-leukemia relationship in the CAPS dataset as a leukemia risk factor or confounder. Future research should explore the role of dwelling as an effect-measure modifier of the MF-leukemia association.
Collapse
|
16
|
Toledano MB, Shaddick G, de Hoogh K, Fecht D, Sterrantino AF, Matthews J, Wright M, Gulliver J, Elliott P. Electric field and air ion exposures near high voltage overhead power lines and adult cancers: a case control study across England and Wales. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 49 Suppl 1:i57-i66. [PMID: 32293005 PMCID: PMC7158064 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various mechanisms have been postulated to explain how electric fields emitted by high voltage overhead power lines, and the charged ions they produce, might be associated with possible adult cancer risk, but this has not previously been systematically explored in large scale epidemiological research. METHODS We investigated risks of adult cancers in relation to modelled air ion density (per cm3) within 600 m (focusing analysis on mouth, lung, respiratory), and calculated electric field within 25 m (focusing analysis on non-melanoma skin), of high voltage overhead power lines in England and Wales, 1974-2008. RESULTS With adjustment for age, sex, deprivation and rurality, odds ratios (OR) in the highest fifth of net air ion density (0.504-1) compared with the lowest (0-0.1879) ranged from 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82-1.08] for mouth cancers to 1.03 (95% CI 0.97-1.09) for respiratory system cancers, with no trends in risk. The pattern of cancer risk was similar using corona ion estimates from an alternative model proposed by others. For keratinocyte carcinoma, adjusted OR in the highest (1.06-4.11 kV/m) compared with the lowest (<0.70 kV/m) thirds of electric field strength was 1.23 (95% CI 0.65-2.34), with no trend in risk. CONCLUSIONS Our results do not provide evidence to support hypotheses that air ion density or electric fields in the vicinity of power lines are associated with cancer risk in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireille B Toledano
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gavin Shaddick
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Fecht
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Freni Sterrantino
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James Matthews
- Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Wright
- Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John Gulliver
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Paul Elliott
- UK Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Health Impact of Environmental Hazards, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial College Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Carpenter DO. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer: How source of funding affects results. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108688. [PMID: 31476684 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While there has been evidence indicating that excessive exposure to magnetic fields from 50 to 60 Hz electricity increases risk of cancer, many argue that the evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. This is particularly the case regarding magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia. A major goal of this study is to examine how source of funding influences the reported results and conclusions. Several meta-analyses dating from about 2000 all report significant associations between exposure and risk of leukemia. By examining subsequent reports on childhood leukemia it is clear that almost all government or independent studies find either a statistically significant association between magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia, or an elevated risk of at least OR = 1.5, while almost all industry supported studies fail to find any significant or even suggestive association. A secondary goal of this report is to examine the level of evidence for exposure and elevated risk of various adult cancers. Based on pooled or meta-analyses as well as subsequent peer-reviewed studies there is strong evidence that excessive exposure to magnetic fields increases risk of adult leukemia, male and female breast cancer and brain cancer. There is less convincing but suggestive evidence for elevations in several other cancer types. There is less clear evidence for bias based on source of funding in the adult cancer studies. There is also some evidence that both paternal and maternal prenatal exposure to magnetic fields results in an increased risk of leukemia and brain cancer in offspring. When one allows for bias reflected in source of funding, the evidence that magnetic fields increase risk of cancer is neither inconsistent nor inconclusive. Furthermore adults are also at risk, not just children, and there is strong evidence for cancers in addition to leukemia, particularly brain and breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David O Carpenter
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, A Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization, 5 University Place, Room A 217, Rensselaer, NY, N 12144, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scherb H, Kusmierz R, Voigt K. Secondary sex ratio and trends in the associated gender-specific births near nuclear facilities in France and Germany: Update of birth counts. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:159-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
19
|
Field Optimization and Electrostatic Stress Reduction of Proposed Conductor Scheme for Pliable Gas-Insulated Transmission Lines. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9152988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of stranded conductors in flexible gas-insulated transmission lines (FGILs) requires field intensity minimization as well as field irregularity suppression in order to avoid dielectric breakdown. Moreover, the interdependence of enclosure and conductor sizes of FGILs regarding electrostatic aspects necessitate critical consideration of their dimensional specifications. In this research, geometric and electrostatic field optimization for FGILs regarding stranded conductors is performed. In addition, the effect of conductor irregularity on field dispersion is analyzed, and a semiconducting film (SCF)-coated stranded conductor is proposed as a potential candidate for FGILs. Considering the performed optimized design, an 11 kV scaled-down model of a 132-kV FGIL was also fabricated in order to practically analyze its electrostatic and dielectric performances regarding simple and SCF-coated stranded conductors. Simulation and experimental investigations revealed that the SCF-coated stranded conductor significantly minimized the field irregularity of the FGIL along with improving in its dielectric breakdown characteristics.
Collapse
|
20
|
Amoon AT, Arah OA, Kheifets L. The sensitivity of reported effects of EMF on childhood leukemia to uncontrolled confounding by residential mobility: a hybrid simulation study and an empirical analysis using CAPS data. Cancer Causes Control 2019; 30:901-908. [PMID: 31144088 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-019-01189-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Residential mobility is considered as a potential source of confounding in studies assessing environmental exposures, including in studies of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposures and childhood leukemia. METHODS We present a hybrid simulation study where we simulate a synthetic dataset based on an existing study and use it to assess the sensitivity of EMF-leukemia associations to different scenarios of uncontrolled confounding by mobility under two major hypotheses of the infectious etiology of childhood leukemia. We then used the findings to conduct sensitivity analysis and empirically offset the potential bias due to unmeasured mobility in the California Power Line Study dataset. RESULTS As expected, the stronger the assumed relationship between mobility and exposure and outcome, the greater the potential bias. However, no scenario created a bias strong enough to completely explain away previously observed associations. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that uncontrolled confounding by residential mobility had some impact on the estimated effect of EMF exposures on childhood leukemia, but that it was unlikely to be the primary explanation behind previously observed largely consistent, but unexplained associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryana T Amoon
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.,Department of Statistics, UCLA College of Letters and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Crespi CM, Swanson J, Vergara XP, Kheifets L. Childhood leukemia risk in the California Power Line Study: Magnetic fields versus distance from power lines. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:530-535. [PMID: 30743245 PMCID: PMC6392457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Pooled analyses have suggested a small increased risk of childhood leukemia associated with distance and with exposure to high magnetic fields from power transmission lines. Because magnetic fields are correlated with distance from lines, the question of whether the risk is due to magnetic fields exposure or to some other factor associated with distance from lines is unresolved. We used data from a large records-based case-control study to examine several research questions formulated to disentangle the relationships among magnetic fields, distance from high voltage lines, and childhood leukemia risk. In models examining an interaction between distance and magnetic fields exposure, we found that neither close proximity to high voltage lines alone nor exposure to high calculated fields alone were associated with childhood leukemia risk. Rather, elevated risk was confined to the group that was both very close to high voltage lines (<50 m) and had high calculated fields (≥0.4 μT) (odds ratio 4.06, 95% CI 1.16, 14.3). Further, high calculated fields (≥0.4 μT) that were due solely to lower voltage lines (<200 kV) were not associated with elevated risk; rather, risk was confined to high fields attributable to high voltage lines. Whilst other explanations are possible, our findings argue against magnetic fields as a sole explanation for the association between distance and childhood leukemia and in favor of some other explanation linked to characteristics of power lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Crespi
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | | - Ximena P Vergara
- Electric Power Research Institute, Energy & Environment Sector, 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA; UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Draper GJ, Bithell JF, Bunch KJ, Kendall GM, Murphy MFG, Stiller CA. Childhood cancer research in Oxford II: The Childhood Cancer Research Group. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:763-770. [PMID: 30131553 PMCID: PMC6173767 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We summarise the work of the Childhood Cancer Research Group, particularly in relation to the UK National Registry of Childhood Tumours (NRCT). METHODS The Group was responsible for setting up and maintaining the NRCT. This registry was based on notifications from regional cancer registries, specialist children's tumour registries, paediatric oncologists and clinical trials organisers. For a large sample of cases, data on controls matched by date and place of birth were also collected. RESULTS Significant achievements of the Group include: studies of aetiology and of genetic epidemiology; proposals for, and participation in, international comparative studies of these diseases and on a classification system specifically for childhood cancer; the initial development of, and major contributions to, follow-up studies of the health of long-term survivors; the enhancement of cancer registration records by the addition of clinical data and of birth records. The Group made substantial contributions to the UK government's Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment. CONCLUSION An important part of the ethos of the Group was to work in collaboration with many other organisations and individuals, both nationally and internationally: many of the Group's achievements described here were the result of such collaborations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Draper
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK.
| | - John F Bithell
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, 24-29 St Giles, Oxford, OX1 3LB, UK
| | - Kathryn J Bunch
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Gerald M Kendall
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Michael F G Murphy
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Charles A Stiller
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, Public Health England, Chancellor Court, Oxford Business Park South, Oxford, OX4 2GX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Amoon AT, Oksuzyan S, Crespi CM, Arah OA, Cockburn M, Vergara X, Kheifets L. Residential mobility and childhood leukemia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 164:459-466. [PMID: 29574256 PMCID: PMC7491916 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Studies of environmental exposures and childhood leukemia studies do not usually account for residential mobility. Yet, in addition to being a potential risk factor, mobility can induce selection bias, confounding, or measurement error in such studies. Using data collected for California Powerline Study (CAPS), we attempt to disentangle the effect of mobility. METHODS We analyzed data from a population-based case-control study of childhood leukemia using cases who were born in California and diagnosed between 1988 and 2008 and birth certificate controls. We used stratified logistic regression, case-only analysis, and propensity-score adjustments to assess predictors of residential mobility between birth and diagnosis, and account for potential confounding due to residential mobility. RESULTS Children who moved tended to be older, lived in housing other than single-family homes, had younger mothers and fewer siblings, and were of lower socioeconomic status. Odds ratios for leukemia among non-movers living <50 meters (m) from a 200+ kilovolt line (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 0.72-3.65) and for calculated fields ≥ 0.4 microTesla (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 0.65-4.52) were slightly higher than previously reported overall results. Adjustments for propensity scores based on all variables predictive of mobility, including dwelling type, increased odds ratios for leukemia to 2.61 (95% CI: 1.76-3.86) for living < 50 m from a 200 + kilovolt line and to 1.98 (1.11-3.52) for calculated fields. Individual or propensity-score adjustments for all variables, except dwelling type, did not materially change the estimates of power line exposures on childhood leukemia. CONCLUSION The residential mobility of childhood leukemia cases varied by several sociodemographic characteristics, but not by the distance to the nearest power line or calculated magnetic fields. Mobility appears to be an unlikely explanation for the associations observed between power lines exposure and childhood leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A T Amoon
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA.
| | - S Oksuzyan
- Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 600 S Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005, USA
| | - C M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA
| | - O A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA
| | - M Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - X Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA; Energy & Environment Sector, Electric Power Research Institute, 3420 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - L Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Amoon AT, Crespi CM, Ahlbom A, Bhatnagar M, Bray I, Bunch KJ, Clavel J, Feychting M, Hémon D, Johansen C, Kreis C, Malagoli C, Marquant F, Pedersen C, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Röösli M, Spycher BD, Sudan M, Swanson J, Tittarelli A, Tuck DM, Tynes T, Vergara X, Vinceti M, Wünsch-Filho V, Kheifets L. Proximity to overhead power lines and childhood leukaemia: an international pooled analysis. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:364-373. [PMID: 29808013 PMCID: PMC6068168 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies have consistently found an association between childhood leukaemia risk and magnetic fields, the associations between childhood leukaemia and distance to overhead power lines have been inconsistent. We pooled data from multiple studies to assess the association with distance and evaluate whether it is due to magnetic fields or other factors associated with distance from lines. METHODS We present a pooled analysis combining individual-level data (29,049 cases and 68,231 controls) from 11 record-based studies. RESULTS There was no material association between childhood leukaemia and distance to nearest overhead power line of any voltage. Among children living < 50 m from 200 + kV power lines, the adjusted odds ratio for childhood leukaemia was 1.33 (95% CI: 0.92-1.93). The odds ratio was higher among children diagnosed before age 5 years. There was no association with calculated magnetic fields. Odds ratios remained unchanged with adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS In this first comprehensive pooled analysis of childhood leukaemia and distance to power lines, we found a small and imprecise risk for residences < 50 m of 200 + kV lines that was not explained by high magnetic fields. Reasons for the increased risk, found in this and many other studies, remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aryana T Amoon
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Catherine M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Anders Ahlbom
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Megha Bhatnagar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Isabelle Bray
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Kathryn J Bunch
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Jacqueline Clavel
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, CRESS, INSERM, UMR 1153, Paris Descartes University, Villejuif, France.,National Registry of Childhood Cancers - Hematological Malignancies, Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Denis Hémon
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, CRESS, INSERM, UMR 1153, Paris Descartes University, Villejuif, France
| | - Christoffer Johansen
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Oncology Clinic, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet 5073, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Kreis
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlotta Malagoli
- Research Center of Environmental (CREAGEN), Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabienne Marquant
- Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, CRESS, INSERM, UMR 1153, Paris Descartes University, Villejuif, France
| | - Camilla Pedersen
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersgraben 1, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben D Spycher
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Madhuri Sudan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | | | - Andrea Tittarelli
- Cancer Registry Unit, National Cancer Institute, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Deirdre M Tuck
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.,Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Tore Tynes
- Department of Occupational Health Surveillance, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ximena Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.,Energy and Environment Sector, Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Research Center of Environmental (CREAGEN), Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor Wünsch-Filho
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
López-Lázaro M. The stem cell division theory of cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 123:95-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
26
|
Kheifets L, Crespi CM, Hooper C, Cockburn M, Amoon AT, Vergara XP. Residential magnetic fields exposure and childhood leukemia: a population-based case-control study in California. Cancer Causes Control 2017; 28:1117-1123. [PMID: 28900736 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-017-0951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies have reported an increased risk of childhood leukemia associated with exposure to magnetic fields. We conducted a large records-based case-control study of childhood leukemia risk and exposure to magnetic fields from power lines in California. METHODS The study included 5,788 childhood leukemia cases (born in and diagnosed in California 1986-2008) matched to population-based controls on age and sex. We calculated magnetic fields at birth addresses using geographic information systems, aerial imagery, historical information on load and phasing, and site visits. RESULTS Based on unconditional logistic regression controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status using subjects geocoded to a basic standard of accuracy, we report a slight risk deficit in two intermediate exposure groups and a small excess risk in the highest exposure group (odds ratio of 1.50 (95% confidence interval [0.70, 3.23])). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses as well as matched analyses gave similar results. All estimates had wide confidence intervals. CONCLUSION Our large, statewide, record-based case-control study of childhood leukemia in California does not in itself provide clear evidence of risk associated with greater exposure to magnetic fields from power lines, but could be viewed as consistent with previous findings of increased risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leeka Kheifets
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Catherine M Crespi
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | | | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aryana T Amoon
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Ximena P Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.,Energy and Environment, Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bürgi A, Sagar S, Struchen B, Joss S, Röösli M. Exposure Modelling of Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields from Overhead Power Lines and Its Validation by Measurements. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14090949. [PMID: 28832515 PMCID: PMC5615486 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14090949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A three-dimensional model for calculating long term exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields from high-voltage overhead power lines is presented, as well as its validation by measurements. For the validation, the model was applied to two different high-voltage overhead power lines in Iffwil and Wiler (Switzerland). In order to capture the daily and seasonal variations, each measurement was taken for 48 h and the measurements were carried out six times at each site, at intervals of approximately two months, between January and December 2015. During each measurement, a lateral transect of the magnetic flux density was determined in the middle of a span from nine measurement points in the range of ±80 m. The technical data of both the lines as well as the load flow data during the measurement periods were provided by the grid operators. These data were used to calculate 48 h averages of the absolute value of the magnetic flux density and compared with modelled values. The highest 48 h average was 1.66 µT (centre of the line in Iffwil); the lowest 48 h average was 22 nT (80 m distance from the centre line in Iffwil). On average, the magnetic flux density was overestimated by 2% (standard deviation: 9%) in Iffwil and underestimated by 1% (8%) in Wiler. Sensitivity analyses showed that the uncertainty is mainly driven by errors in the coordinates and height data. In particular, for predictions near the centre of the line, an accurate digital terrain model is critical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Bürgi
- ARIAS umwelt.forschung.beratung gmbh, Gutenbergstrasse 40B, 3011 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Sanjay Sagar
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Benjamin Struchen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stefan Joss
- Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), 3003 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kheifets L, Swanson J, Yuan Y, Kusters C, Vergara X. Comparative analyses of studies of childhood leukemia and magnetic fields, radon and gamma radiation. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2017; 37:459-491. [PMID: 28586320 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/aa5fc7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we compare the findings of epidemiologic studies of childhood leukemia that examined at least two of ELF magnetic fields and/or distance to power lines, and exposure to radon and gamma radiation or distance to nuclear plants. Many of the methodologic aspects are common to studies of non-ionising (i.e. ELF-MF) and ionising radiation. A systematic search and review of studies with more than one exposure under study identified 33 key and 35 supplementary papers from ten countries that have been included in this review. Examining studies that have looked at several radiation exposures, and comparing similarities and differences for the different types of radiation, through the use of directed acyclic graphs, we evaluate to what extent bias, confounding and other methodological issues might be operating in these studies. We found some indication of bias, although results are not clear cut. There is little evidence that confounding has had a substantial influence on results. Influence of the residential mobility on the study conduct and interpretation is complex and can manifest as a selection bias, confounding, increased measurement error or could also be a potential risk factor. Other factors associated with distance to power lines and to nuclear power plants should be investigated. A more complete and consistent reporting of results in the future studies will allow for a more informative comparison across studies and integration of results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leeka Kheifets
- University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - John Swanson
- National Grid, 1-3 Strand, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yingzhe Yuan
- University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Kusters
- University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Ximena Vergara
- University of California Los Angeles, United States of America
- Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|