A systematic review on occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and risk of cancer: preliminary results from an Italian research project (original) (raw)
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Environmental health : a global access science source, 2009
The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of performing a cohort study on health risks from occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in Germany. A set of criteria was developed to evaluate the feasibility of such a cohort study. The criteria aimed at conditions of exposure and exposure assessment (level, duration, preferably on an individual basis), the possibility to assemble a cohort and the feasibility of ascertaining various disease endpoints. Twenty occupational settings with workers potentially exposed to RF-EMF and, in addition, a cohort of amateur radio operators were considered. Based on expert ratings, literature reviews and our set of predefined criteria, three of the cohorts were identified as promising for further evaluation: the personnel (technicians) of medium/short wave broadcasting stations, amateur radio operators, and workers on dielectric heat sealers. After further analyses, the cohort of workers on dielectric heat seal...
Systematic Reviews, 2022
Background An Italian project aims to review the scientific literature on the possible carcinogenicity of radiofrequency (100 kHz–300 GHz) electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. The ENEA team has to carry out a systematic review of the in vivo studies on this topic. Objectives Development of a protocol for a systematic review (meta-analysis included) to investigate the potential carcinogenic risk following RF-EMF in vivo exposure to doses above or within legal limits. The aims of this review are (1) to provide a descriptive and, if possible, a quantitative summary of the results of the examined RF-EMF in vivo studies, together with an assessment of the consistency of observations and of the causes of heterogeneity, and (2) to assess the weight of evidence to support or refute the hypothesis of carcinogenic effects caused by RF-EMF exposure and to draw conclusions about the potential for carcinogenicity of RF-EMF exposure. Methods We will search for relevant studies in electronic a...
Radiofrequency and Microwave Radiation Health Effects and Occupational Exposure
Acta medica medianae, 2011
In the recent years, there have been considerable discussion and concern about the possible hazards of RF/MW radiation. More recently, the growth and development in personal mobile communications have focused attention on the frequencies associated with this technology. A number of studies have examined the health effects of RF/MW electromagnetic fields (EMFs), originating from occupational exposure, hobbies, or residence near the radio or television transmitters. Particularly controversial are the biophysical mechanisms by which these RF fields may affect biological systems. General health effects reviews explore possible carcinogenic, reproductive and neurological effects. Health effects by exposure source have been observed in radar traffic devices, wireless communications with cellular phones, radio transmission, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Several epidemiological surveys have suggested associations with non-specific complaints such as headache, tiredness, sleep disturbance, loss of memory, and dizziness. These findings, which echo reports of illness associated with other types of radiofrequency (RF) radiation, relate not only to the use of mobile phones, but also to residence near the mobile phone base stations and other settings involving occupational exposure. The biological effects suggest that some precautions are necessary, and preventive approaches are highly recommended. Further researches are required to give more information about the effects of microwave radiation on our health, especially in occupational setting and professionally exposed workers. Acta
Environment International, 2018
Introduction:In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated the epidemiological evidence for the association between occupational exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) and cancer as inadequate, due in part to limitations in exposure assessment. This study examines the relation between both occupational RF and intermediate frequency (IF) EMF exposure and brain tumour risk in the INTEROCC multinational case-control study population (nearly 10,000 subjects), using a novel exposure assessment approach.Methods:Individual indices of cumulative exposure to RF and IF-EMF were assigned to study participants using a source-exposure matrix and detailed interview data on work with or nearby EMF sources, both overall and in specific exposure time windows. Conditional logistic regression models were used to investigate associations with glioma and meningioma risk.Results:Overall, there was no clear evidence for an association between RF or IF-EMF and the brain tumours studied, with the vast majority of analyses showing no associations and in fact odds ratios (ORs) below one. The largest adjusted ORs were obtained for RF magnetic fields in the highest exposed category for the most recent exposure time window (1–4 years before the diagnosis or reference date) for both glioma (OR=1.62 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86, 3.01)) and meningioma (1.52 (CI: 0.65, 3.55)). Similar results were obtained using a continuous analysis.Conclusion:Despite the individualized approach used in this study, the largest case-control on brain tumours and EMF occupational exposures, no clear associations were identified. However, RF magnetic fields should be further investigated using more exposed participants and alternative exposure/dose metrics.
Annals of Epidemiology, 2001
PURPOSE: This population-based case-control study examined occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in relation to female breast cancer incidence among 843 breast cancer cases and 773 controls. METIIODS: Exposure was classified based on work in the two longest-held jobs. and indices of cumu1at ive exposure to magnetic fields based on a measurement survey. , RESULTS: Female breast cancer was not associated with employment as an office or industrial worker. For the total study population, cumulative exposure ove~the entire career, and in the past 0-10 and 10-20 years generally showed odds mtios (ORs) close to the null Moderately elevated risks were found for intermediate but not high levels of cumulative exposure accumulated 20 or more yean; ago (OR == 1.5i 95% CI ::::