Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Morbidity experience in populations residentially exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields: methodology and preliminary findings of a cohort study epidem.

Published in: Int J Occup Environ Health 2009; 15 (2): 133-142

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cohort study was conducted in Italy to investigate the morbidity experience in a population residentially exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Group 1 duration of residence up to 40 meters from the power line: 0-9 years
Group 2 duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 10-19 years
Group 3 duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 20-29 years
Group 4 duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: 30-39 years
Group 5 duration of residence up to 40 m from the power line: ≥ 40 years
Group 6 sub-area R: distance to power line > 33 m, TWA magnetic flux density < 0.17 µT
Group 7 sub-area A: distance to power line < 28 m, TWA magnetic flux density: 0.19 to 3 µT
Group 8 sub-area B: distance to power line partially < 28 or < 33 m, TWA values possibly present in sub-areas R and A

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 357
Participants 345

Results (acc. to author)

83 first visit hospital discharges for the selected causes were recorded in the six-year observation time. Among the cohort statistically not significant increases were found for all cancers and primary cancers. A significant increase for primary cancers (n=10) were observed among subjects living for more than 30 years close to a power line. A significant increase for all neoplasms (n=16), primary cancers and secondary cancers as well for ischaemic diseases (n=6) were found among residents of sub-area A with the highest exposure.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The results are based on low numbers and should be verified by a pooled analysis of similar residentials cohorts.

Study funded by

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