Case-Control Study on Occupational Exposure to Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and the Association with Meningioma

Abstract EN

Objective.

Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) was in 2002 classified as a possible human carcinogen, Group 2B, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer at WHO based on an increased risk for childhood leukemia.

In case-control studies on brain tumors during 1997–2003 and 2007–2009 we assessed lifetime occupations in addition to exposure to different agents.

The INTEROCC ELF-EMF Job-Exposure Matrix was used for associating occupations with ELF-EMF exposure (μT) with meningioma.

Cumulative exposure (μT-years), average exposure (μT), and maximum exposed job (μT) were calculated.

Results.

No increased risk for meningioma was found in any category.

For cumulative exposure in the highest exposure category 8.52+ μT years odds ratio (OR) = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.7–1.2, and p linear trend = 0.45 were calculated.

No statistically significant risks were found in different time windows.

Conclusion.

In conclusion occupational ELF-EMF was not associated with an increased risk for meningioma.