50‐Hz electromagnetic environment and the incidence of childhood tumors in Stockholm county

TLDR

The study measured 50‑Hz magnetic fields at the birth and diagnosis homes of 716 childhood tumor cases and matched controls in Stockholm, noting visible high‑voltage wires within 150 m and recording field strengths at each dwelling’s main entrance. Visible 200‑kV wires and magnetic fields ≥0.3 μT were each twice as common among cases as controls, with the strongest association for nervous system tumors and a weaker link for leukemias.

Abstract

Abstract The magnetic fields from overhead power lines and other electromagnetic sources were determined at the birth and diagnosis dwellings of all tumor cases reported in the county of Stockholm during the years 1958–73 for individuals 0–18 years of age. The study was limited to 716 cases having a permanent address in the county both at time of birth and diagnosis. An equivalent number of controls was matched to the cases according to church district of birth, age, and sex. Outside each dwelling, the occurrence of visible electrical constructions (6‐200‐kV high‐voltage wires, substations, transformers, electric railroads, and subways) within 150 m of the dwelling was noted. Also, the 50‐Hz magnetic field was measured outside the main entrance of the dwelling. Visible 200‐kv wires were noted at 45 of 2,098 dwellings and were found twice as frequently among cases as among controls (P < .05). The magnetic field measured at the dwelling varied between 0.0004 to 1.9 μT (mean value 0.069 μT). The magnetic field was higher (0.22 μT) at dwellings with visible 200‐kV wires than at those without such wires. Magnetic fields of 0.3 μT or more were measured at 48 dwellings, and were found twice as frequently among cases as among controls (P < .05). The difference was most pronounced for dwellings of nervous system tumors and was less for leukemias.