US EPA

2210932 

Journal Article 

Methodological Issues in the Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer 

Savitz, DA; Pearce, NE; Poole, C 

1989 

Yes 

Epidemiologic Reviews
ISSN: 0193-936X
EISSN: 1478-6729 

NIOSH/00193771 

11 

59-78 

A summary was provided of past research into residential and occupational exposures to electromagnetic fields and the possible relationship between exposure and the incidence of cancer. Information was presented concerning exposure assessment, potential cofounders, and biological mechanisms. Sources of electric and magnetic fields included household appliances, electric power lines, electric blankets, and various types of office equipment. One of the major criticisms of previous investigations on the incidence of cancer in electrical workers had been that they were based on job titles and did not therefore assessed individual exposures to electromagnetic fields. However, elevated risks of leukemia and brain cancer have been noted in electrical workers. The use of personal dosimetry data will make the case more convincing. Potential cofounders which were significant in occupational exposure investigations included life style factors such as smoking, diet, social class and others not attributed to a specific job. Other cofactors included exposures on the job to solvents, polychlorinated biphenyls, ionizing radiation and welding fumes, some of which may be very closely correlated with exposure to electromagnetic fields in a particular industry. Future investigations of cancer among electrical workers should attempt to examine all possible work related causes of leukemia and brain cancer to narrow the list of candidates. Possible mechanisms of action and the time span between exposure and diagnosis of disease were reviewed.