Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a City With High Incidence of Leukemia and Elevated Exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a City With High Incidence of Leukemia and Elevated Exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields Juan C Núñez-Enríquez, Víctor Correa-Correa, Janet Flores-Lujano, María L Pérez-Saldivar, Elva Jiménez- Hernández, et al. Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields and the Risk of Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a City With High Incidence of Leukemia and Elevated Exposure to ELF Magnetic Fields. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020 Sep 23. doi: 10.1002/bem.22295. Abstract It is important to study the relationship between extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) and childhood leukemia, particularly in locations with a high incidence of this neoplasm in children and an elevated exposure to ELF-MF, such as Mexico City. The aim was to investigate the association between ELF-MF exposure and the risk of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). A case-control study was conducted in Mexico City during the period from 2010 to 2011. Residential 24-h ELF-MF measurements were obtained for 290 incident B-ALL patients and 407 controls, aged less than 16 years. Controls were frequency-matched by sex, age (±18 months), and health institution. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. ELF-MF exposure at <0.2 μT was used to define the reference group. ELF-MF exposure at ≥0.3 μT was observed in 11.3% of the controls. Different ELF-MF intensity cutoff values were used to define the highest exposure category; the highest exposure category for each cutoff value was associated with an increased risk of B-ALL compared with the corresponding lower exposure categories. The aORs were as follows: ≥0.2 μT = 1.26 (95% CI: 0.84-1.89); ≥0.3 μT = 1.53 (95% CI: 0.95-2.48); ≥0.4 μT = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.04-3.35); ≥0.5 μT = 1.80 (95% CI 0.95-3.44); ≥0.6 μT = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.10-4.93). ELF-MF exposure as a continuous variable (per 0.2 μT intervals) was associated with B-ALL risk (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12). In the present study, the proportion of children exposed to ≥0.3 μT is among the highest reported worldwide. Additionally, an ELF-MF exposure ≥0.4 μT may be associated with the risk of B-ALL. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Higher residential ELF-MF exposure was associated with increased risk of B-ALL in children. Adjusted odds ratios increased with higher exposure cutoffs, with significant associations at ≥0.4 μT and above. Exposure as a continuous variable per 0.2 μT increment was also associated with increased risk.

Outcomes measured

• B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Limitations

• Observational case-control design subject to potential confounding
• Exposure measured only at residence, possible misclassification
• Confidence intervals for some exposure categories include 1, indicating uncertainty

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.3)
  Study of ELF magnetic field exposure in residential environment, relevant to exposure assessment.

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    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": null,
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "24-h residential measurement"
    },
    "population": "children under 16 years in Mexico City",
    "sample_size": 697,
    "outcomes": [
        "B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Higher residential ELF-MF exposure was associated with increased risk of B-ALL in children. Adjusted odds ratios increased with higher exposure cutoffs, with significant associations at ≥0.4 μT and above. Exposure as a continuous variable per 0.2 μT increment was also associated with increased risk.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Observational case-control design subject to potential confounding",
        "Exposure measured only at residence, possible misclassification",
        "Confidence intervals for some exposure categories include 1, indicating uncertainty"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency magnetic fields",
        "ELF-MF",
        "childhood leukemia",
        "acute lymphoblastic leukemia",
        "B-ALL",
        "case-control study",
        "Mexico City"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.299999999999999988897769753748434595763683319091796875,
            "reason": "Study of ELF magnetic field exposure in residential environment, relevant to exposure assessment."
        }
    ]
}

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