Use of Electrical Household Appliances and Risk of All Types of Tumours: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: EMF, ELF, household appliances, tumour risk, case-control, powerlines, transformer station DOI: 10.3390/medsci13020036 URL: mdpi.com Overview The use of electrical appliances that emit extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) is increasing globally. These fields have been reported to be associated with several adverse health effects, and the potential link between risk of tumours and use of electronic devices emitting low frequency (LF) EMF is an important area for research. Methods - This multi-hospital-based case-control study analyzed 316 patients to investigate the association of common household electrical appliance use and risk of tumours. Findings - The study showed a below unity risk for most devices. - Slightly increased risk of tumour was observed for computer screen use (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.43-3.02). - Similar increased risk seen for microwave oven use (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.36-4.04). - Significantly, individuals living near electricity transformer stations had a statistically significant elevated risk of tumours (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.30-3.59), clearly indicating a connection between ELF EMF exposure and increased tumour risk. - In contrast, individuals living close to powerlines had an OR of 0.98, suggesting no elevated risk in that subgroup. Conclusion This pilot study provides primary data suggesting certain household EMF exposures, especially proximity to transformer stations, may be associated with an increased risk of tumours. This underlines the need for further epidemiological research on EMF safety and health risks.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In this multi-hospital case-control study (n=316), odds ratios for tumour risk were below 1 for most household electrical devices. Slightly elevated (but imprecise) odds ratios were reported for computer screen use (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.43–3.02) and microwave oven use (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.36–4.04). Living near electricity transformer stations was associated with a statistically significant increased tumour risk (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.30–3.59), while living close to powerlines showed no elevated risk (OR 0.98).

Outcomes measured

• All types of tumours (tumour risk)

Limitations

• Pilot study
• Case-control design
• Exposure characterization details (e.g., measurement, duration/intensity) not provided in the abstract
• Outcome grouping is broad ("all types of tumours")

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.15)
  Study concerns EMF exposure sources, but primarily residential/household rather than occupational; included with low weight due to general exposure theme.

{
    "study_type": "case_control",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "household appliances; residential proximity to transformer stations/powerlines",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": null
    },
    "population": "Patients in a multi-hospital-based case-control study",
    "sample_size": 316,
    "outcomes": [
        "All types of tumours (tumour risk)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In this multi-hospital case-control study (n=316), odds ratios for tumour risk were below 1 for most household electrical devices. Slightly elevated (but imprecise) odds ratios were reported for computer screen use (OR 1.13; 95% CI 0.43–3.02) and microwave oven use (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.36–4.04). Living near electricity transformer stations was associated with a statistically significant increased tumour risk (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.30–3.59), while living close to powerlines showed no elevated risk (OR 0.98).",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Pilot study",
        "Case-control design",
        "Exposure characterization details (e.g., measurement, duration/intensity) not provided in the abstract",
        "Outcome grouping is broad (\"all types of tumours\")"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "EMF",
        "ELF",
        "household appliances",
        "tumour risk",
        "case-control",
        "powerlines",
        "transformer station"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.1499999999999999944488848768742172978818416595458984375,
            "reason": "Study concerns EMF exposure sources, but primarily residential/household rather than occupational; included with low weight due to general exposure theme."
        }
    ]
}

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