Residential Proximity to High-Voltage Power Lines and Risk of Childhood Hematological Malignancies

Mizoue, Tetsuya; Onoe, Yasuhiro; Moritake, Hiroshi; Okamura, Jun; Sokejima, Shigeru; Nitta, Hiroshi

doi:10.2188/jea.14.118

Cited by 11 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…This conclusion is generally consistent with that of a US study that found that magnetic field measurements were fairly stable over a period of five years (Dovan et al 1993) A large number of epidemiological studies have investigated whether there is a link between power frequency magnetic fields and childhood cancer. Some studies have incorporated field measurements to estimate exposure, some used field calculations derived from operational information for HV lines near the homes (Ahlbom et al 2000) and others have analysed distance from lines as the important variable (Li et al 1998, Mizou et al 2004…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of the sources of residential power frequency magnetic field exposure in the UK Childhood Cancer Study

Maslanyj¹,

Mee²,

Renew

et al. 2007

J. Radiol. Prot.

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There is an unexplained association between exposure to the magnetic fields arising from the supply and use of electricity, and increase in risk of childhood leukaemia. The UK Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) provides a large and unique source of information on residential magnetic field exposure in the UK. The purpose of this supplementary study was to investigate a sample of UKCCS homes in order to identify the particular sources that contribute to elevated time-averaged exposure. In all, 196 homes have been investigated, 102 with exposures estimated on the basis of the original study to be above 0.2 microT, and 21 higher than 0.4 microT, a threshold above which a raised risk has been observed. First, surveys were carried out outside the property boundaries of all 196 study homes, and then, where informed consent had been obtained, assessments were conducted inside the properties of 19 homes. The study found that low-voltage (LV) sources associated with the final electricity supply accounted together for 77% of exposures above 0.2 microT, and 57% of those above 0.4 microT. Most of these exposures were linked to net currents in circuits inside and/or around the home. High-voltage (HV) sources, including the HV overhead power lines that are the focus of public concern, accounted for 23% of the exposures above 0.2 microT, and 43% of those above 0.4 microT. Public health interest has focused on the consideration of precautionary measures that would reduce exposure to power frequency magnetic fields. Our study provides a basis for considering the options for exposure mitigation in the UK. For instance, in elevated-exposure homes where net currents are higher than usual, if it is possible to reduce the net currents, then the exposure could be reduced for a sizeable proportion of these homes. Further investigations would be necessary to determine whether this is feasible.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of the sources of residential power frequency magnetic field exposure in the UK Childhood Cancer Study

Maslanyj¹,

Mee²,

Renew

et al. 2007

J. Radiol. Prot.

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“…The heterogeneous incidence of AL observed in BZ, higher in the area placed upstream from the point of maximum fluvial water pollution [36], makes the possibility of the transmission of pollutants by this route unlikely. Electromagnetic radiation (ER) exposure has been frequently referred to in the medical literature as a potential etiological contributor in the development of AL [16][17][18]. It is a highly controversial issue, where both positive and negative results have been published, the critical/minimal field intensity for the effect, if any, being unknown.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Annual incidence rates were standardized to both the European and World Standard Populations by using the direct method [25,26]. Air distance in km from the head village of each of the 39 municipalities of BZ to the main points of interest (POI), such as pollutant facilities (PF) or the point of maximal density of high-power lines (HPL) c) smoking habit, specially for some types of acute leukemia (AL) [14] in which a dose-dependent effect [15] has been described, d) exposure to electromagnetic fields [16,17], more specifically, living less than 300 meters away from a high power line (HPL), which seems to be an especially relevant factor during childhood [18], e) exposure to environmental toxins that have been implicated in those people living in close vicinity to some industrial facilities that seem to bear a higher risk of developing AL [19,20]. El Bierzo (BZ) is a region located in northwestern Spain, in the province of León, that displays specific orography characterized by a central depression with an average altitude of 500-600 m over the sea level, completely surrounded by a mountain ring of 1800-2100 m of altitude.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

High incidence of acute leukemia in the proximity of some industrial facilities in El Bierzo, northwestern Spain

Rodríguez-García¹,

Ramos²

2012

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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Objectives: To estimate the incidence of acute leukemia (AL) in El Bierzo (BZ) and to carry out a cross-association analysis in order to suggest some etiological clues. Materials and Methods: We registered all new AL cases diagnosed 2000-2005. Annual standardized incidence rate (SIR) was calculated by the direct method. A cross-association analysis was performed by non-parametric methods and we checked the potential interaction between putative etiological factors by calculating Chi-square-for-trend. Results: SIR was 5.1 cases per 100 000, surpassing the Spanish, European and world average figu res and heterogeneous throughout the region. We detected a negative correlation between acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) SIR in every municipality and both the air distance to the nearest thermoelectric power plant (TPP) (Rho = -0.409; p = 0.01) and to the point of maximum density of the high-power lines (HPL) network (Rho = -0.329; p = 0.04). Accordingly, SIR was higher in the municipalities situated < 7.5 km away from TPP (9.58 vs. 1.72; p = 0.004) or < 10 km away from HPL (3.90 vs. 3.19; p = 0.045). A positive relation between both factors was observed (Chi-square-for-trend = 9.209; p = 0.006). Conclusions: SIR of AL in BZ is higher than the Spanish average and that of most countries in the world. Residing near TPP or HPL confers a higher risk of AML, with synergistic effect between both factors.

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Human Health Effects of Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields

Carpenter¹

2012

Patty's Toxicology

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The present chapter deals with that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that has lower energy and longer wavelengths than the infrared, including the extra low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields from electricity and radiofrequency (RF) fields used in communication. The energies at these frequencies are not sufficient to directly break chemical bonds, and the question to be examined is whether they have sufficient energy to cause human disease by other mechanisms, particularly at intensities that do not cause measurable heating. Present research indicates a consistent pattern of elevated risk of cancer, especially leukemia, and some neurodegenerative diseases at ELF magnetic field levels commonly found in residences and occupations. The relationship between childhood magnetic field exposure and brain cancer is also reviewed. Human studies and meta‐analyses of research of mobile phone use show a consistent and elevated risk of brain cancer and acoustic neuroma upon intense and long‐term use. International and national standards of human exposure to ELF and RF frequencies are presented and found to be inadequate for the protection of human health. The evidence of human harm from excessive exposure to both ELF and RF is stronger and more consistent for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases than is commonly recognized. While there is less strong reproducibility and consistency for some other proposed health outcomes, this indicates only the need for more research with better exposure assessment.

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Residential Proximity to High-Voltage Power Lines and Risk of Childhood Hematological Malignancies

Cited by 11 publications

References 21 publications

Investigation of the sources of residential power frequency magnetic field exposure in the UK Childhood Cancer Study

Investigation of the sources of residential power frequency magnetic field exposure in the UK Childhood Cancer Study

High incidence of acute leukemia in the proximity of some industrial facilities in El Bierzo, northwestern Spain

Human Health Effects of Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields

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