Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency: Risk of childhood CNS tumors in a city with elevated ELF-MF exposure

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: ELF-MF, radiofrequency, childhood cancer, CNS tumors, Mexico City, exposure assessment, tablet use DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122858 URL: sciencedirect.com Overview Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) are the second most common childhood cancer. With unclear etiology, recent concerns have risen regarding the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency (RF) exposures. This study was conducted to examine the potential relationship between these exposures and CNST risk among Mexico City's pediatric population. Methods - Design: Case-control study (2017–2022) in Mexico City - Participants: 200 CNST patients, 793 controls (all under 16 years old) - Exposure Assessment: - Residential ELF-MF measured over a 24-hour period - RF exposure evaluated via duration of cell phone and electronic device usage - Reference Groups: ELF-MF exposure <0.1 μT, lowest RF quartile (Q1) - Data Analysis: R and SPSS software Findings - 5.1% of participants had ELF-MF exposure ≥0.3 μT. - Significant association: Elevated ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) doubled the risk of CNST (aOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.15-5.00). - No association between cell phone use and CNST risk. - Prolonged tablet use linked to substantial CNST risk: - aOR=2.53 (95% CI: 1.39-4.61) with internet use - aOR=3.53 (95% CI: 1.45-8.59) without internet use Conclusion A significant portion of Mexico City children are exposed to ELF-MF levels ≥0.3 μT—higher than global averages. Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure and prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet connectivity, were significantly linked to increased childhood CNST risk. Highlights - Many Mexico City children exposed to ELF-MF ≥0.3 μT, surpassing global norms. - Elevated ELF-MF exposure correlates with increased childhood CNS tumor risk. - Prolonged tablet use also linked to higher CNST risk, especially in ages 6-10. - No CNST risk detected from cell phone use.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In this Mexico City case-control study, elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (>=0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased childhood CNST risk (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.15-5.00). Cell phone use did not differ between cases and controls, while prolonged tablet use with and without internet was significantly associated with increased CNST risk.

Outcomes measured

• Childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST) risk

Limitations

• Case-control design
• RF exposure was assessed through reported duration of device use rather than direct RF measurements
• Only residential ELF-MF exposure was measured over a 24 h period
• Abstract does not report full adjustment details

{
    "study_type": "case_control",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF and RF",
        "source": "residential ELF-MF; cell phone and tablet/electronic device use",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "ELF-MF measured over 24 h; RF assessed via total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage (with and without internet)"
    },
    "population": "Pediatric population in Mexico City, under 16 years old, including 200 CNS tumor cases and 793 controls",
    "sample_size": 993,
    "outcomes": [
        "Childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST) risk"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In this Mexico City case-control study, elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (>=0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased childhood CNST risk (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.15-5.00). Cell phone use did not differ between cases and controls, while prolonged tablet use with and without internet was significantly associated with increased CNST risk.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Case-control design",
        "RF exposure was assessed through reported duration of device use rather than direct RF measurements",
        "Only residential ELF-MF exposure was measured over a 24 h period",
        "Abstract does not report full adjustment details"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.92000000000000003996802888650563545525074005126953125,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF-MF",
        "radiofrequency",
        "childhood CNS tumors",
        "CNST",
        "case-control",
        "Mexico City",
        "residential exposure",
        "cell phone use",
        "tablet use",
        "pediatric cancer"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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