8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Cancer & Tumors320 citations

50-Hz electromagnetic environment and the incidence of childhood tumors in Stockholm County

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 1986

Share:

Swedish children living near 200-kV power lines had double the cancer risk, especially for nervous system tumors.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1986 Swedish study examined 716 childhood cancer cases in Stockholm County, comparing magnetic field exposure from power lines at children's homes to matched controls. Children living near 200-kV power lines or in areas with magnetic fields above 0.3 μT had twice the cancer risk, with the strongest association for nervous system tumors.

Why This Matters

This landmark study was among the first to document elevated childhood cancer rates near high-voltage power lines, establishing a foundation for decades of research into EMF health effects. The 0.3 μT threshold identified here remains significant because many homes today exceed this level due to proximity to power infrastructure, internal wiring issues, or high-current appliances. What makes this research particularly compelling is its comprehensive approach, measuring actual magnetic fields rather than simply estimating exposure based on distance from power lines. The finding that nervous system tumors showed the strongest association with EMF exposure aligns with later research suggesting the developing brain may be particularly vulnerable to electromagnetic fields.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 50 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 50 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (1986). 50-Hz electromagnetic environment and the incidence of childhood tumors in Stockholm County.
Show BibTeX
@article{50_hz_electromagnetic_environment_and_the_incidence_of_childhood_tumors_in_stockholm_county_ce1625,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {50-Hz electromagnetic environment and the incidence of childhood tumors in Stockholm County},
  year = {1986},
  doi = {10.1002/BEM.2250070209},
  
}
DOI: 10.1002/BEM.2250070209PubMed: 3741493

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, children living near visible 200-kV power lines had twice the cancer risk compared to controls. The study found 200-kV lines at 45 of 2,098 dwellings, occurring twice as frequently among cancer cases.
Magnetic fields of 0.3 μT or higher doubled childhood cancer risk. These elevated fields were found at 48 dwellings and occurred twice as frequently among cancer cases versus controls.
Nervous system tumors showed the most pronounced association with electromagnetic field exposure from power lines. The relationship was less strong for leukemias, though still statistically significant.
Researchers noted electrical constructions within 150 meters of each dwelling, including high-voltage wires, substations, transformers, electric railroads, and subways. Magnetic fields were measured directly outside main entrances.
The mean magnetic field level was 0.069 μT across all dwellings studied. Fields ranged from 0.0004 to 1.9 μT, with higher levels (0.22 μT average) near 200-kV power lines.