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Association between extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields occupations and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a
Hongjie Zhou1, Guangdi Chen, Chunjing Chen
1Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Plos One
|November 29, 2012
Summary
Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) showed a slight, significant increase in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk. However, other occupational factors may contribute to this association.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroepidemiology
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with multifactorial etiology.
- Occupational exposures, including to electromagnetic fields, are being investigated as potential environmental risk factors for ALS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis estimating the relationship between occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) and the risk of developing ALS.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search of PubMed and manual searches up to April 2012 identified 17 eligible studies.
- Meta-analysis combined data from case-control and cohort studies, assessing exposure via job title or job-exposure matrix.
- Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Pooled occupational ELF-EMF exposure was significantly associated with increased ALS risk (RR=1.29, 95%CI=1.02-1.62).
- This association was significant in case-control studies (OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.05-1.84) but not cohort studies.
- Significant associations were observed when exposure was defined by job title and for clinically diagnosed ALS cases.
Conclusions:
- A slight but statistically significant increase in ALS risk is suggested for occupations with high ELF-EMF exposure.
- The small magnitude of the risk warrants consideration of potential biases, such as electrical shocks or other occupational variables.
- The observed association may not be solely attributable to magnetic field exposure.
