Study type: Epidemiological study

Occupational Exposures and Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analyses epidem.

Published in: Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16 (3): E337

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The association between the risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields as well as other occupational risk factors (pesticides, metals and lead) was evaluated in meta-analyses. This is an update of the meta-analyses by Gunnarsson and Bodin (2017) and Gunnarsson and Bodin (2018).

Further details

Following 17 publications were included:
Andel et al. (2010), Feychting et al. (2003), Fischer et al. (2015), Graves et al. (1999), Hakansson et al. (2003), Huss et al. (2015), Johansen et al. (1998), Noonan et al. (2002), Park et al. (2005), Parlett et al. (2011), Pedersen et al. (2017), Qiu et al. (2004), Röösli et al. (2007), Savitz et al. (1988a), Seidler et al. (2007), Sorahan et al. (2007) and Vergara et al. (2015).

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Exposure

Population

Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

For workers exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields the studies, showed increased risks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (RR 1.26, CI 1.07-1.50) and Alzheimer's disease (RR 1.33, CI 1.07-1.64). No statistically significant increased risk was observed for Parkinson's disease (RR 1.02, CI 0.83–1.26).
The authors concluded that occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields seemed to involve some increase in risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

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