Exposure to magnetic fields and childhood leukemia

43 years after Nancy Wertheimer & Ed Leeper first made the link (and were widely ridiculed) comes this Systematic Review of 38 studies: “Our study suggests that exposure to ELF magnetic fields >0.4 μT increases the risk of developing leukemia in children.”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/reveh-2021-0112/html

This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the potential link between exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and childhood leukemia. The findings, based on decades of research, provide compelling evidence for a heightened risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children exposed to magnetic flux densities above 0.4 µT, as well as risks associated with proximity to power lines and the use of certain electric appliances.

Key Findings:

1. Magnetic Flux Density Exposure:
   • Above 0.4 µT: Associated with a significant increase in leukemia risk (pooled OR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.05–1.80).
   • Below 0.4 µT: No significant association found for lower exposure levels (e.g., 0.1–0.2 µT: OR = 1.04; 95% CI 0.88–1.24).
2. Proximity to Power Lines:
   • Living within 50 meters of power lines showed a modest increase in leukemia risk, particularly for ALL (pooled OR = 1.44; 95% CI 0.72–2.88).
   • No significant risk was found for distances greater than 200 meters.
3. Electric Appliances:
   • Electric Blankets: Demonstrated the highest associated risk (pooled OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.71–4.42).
   • Electric Clocks: Showed a smaller but significant association (pooled OR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.01–1.60).

Implications:

• The findings suggest that ELF-MF, particularly at levels exceeding 0.4 µT, may disrupt biological systems in ways that contribute to leukemia development in children.
• The risk is particularly pronounced in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, indicating a need for specific focus on this condition in future research.

Calls to Action:

1. Public Awareness:
   • Educate communities about the potential risks of ELF-MF exposure and practical steps to minimize it, such as limiting proximity to power lines and reducing the use of high-EMF appliances.
2. Policy and Regulation:
   • Update safety standards to reflect the evidence linking ELF-MF exposure to childhood leukemia, particularly emphasizing thresholds of 0.4 µT or higher.
   • Implement stricter guidelines for the installation of power lines and EMF-emitting appliances near residential areas, schools, and childcare facilities.
3. Further Research:
   • Expand studies to include long-term effects of ELF-MF exposure and its interaction with other environmental and genetic factors.
   • Investigate mechanisms by which ELF-MF exposure disrupts biological processes, particularly in developing organisms.
4. Technology Development:
   • Promote the development of technologies designed to reduce ELF-MF emissions from power infrastructure and household appliances.

Conclusion:

This review underscores the need for heightened awareness and regulatory action to mitigate the potential risks of ELF-MF exposure. By prioritizing public health measures and research investments, we can address these risks and safeguard the well-being of children in our increasingly electrified world.