Future needs of occupational epidemiology of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: review and recommendations

L Kheifets, JD Bowman, H Checkoway, M Feychting, John Harrington, R Kavet, G Marsh, G Mezei, DC Renew, E van Wijngaarden

Research output: Contribution to journalReview article

88 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The occupational epidemiological literature on extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and health encompasses a large number of studies of design and quality that have addressed many health outcomes, including various cancers, cardiovascular disease, depression and suicide, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At a 2006 workshop we studies of occupational EMF exposure with an on methodological weaknesses, and proposed analytical ways to address some of these. We also developed research priorities that we hope will address remaining uncertainties. Broadly speaking, extensive research conducted during the past 20 years on occupational EMF exposure does not indicate strong or consistent associations with cancer or any other health outcomes. Inconsistent results for many of the may be attributable to numerous shortcomings in the studies, most notably in exposure assessment. There however, no obvious correlation between exposure assessment quality and observed associations. Nevertheless, for future research, the highest priorities emerge in both the areas of exposure assessment and investigation of ALS. To better assess exposure, we for the development of a more complete job-exposure matrix that combines job title, work environment and and an index of exposure to electric fields, magnetic fields, spark discharge, contact current, and other chemical and physical agents. For ALS, we propose an international collaborative study capable of illuminating reported association with electrical occupations by disentangling the potential roles of electric shocks, magnetic fields and bias. Such a study will potentially to evidence-based measures to protect public health.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-80
Number of pages9
JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume66
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2009

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