Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Cancer & Tumors171 citations
Electromagnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Norwegian high-voltage power lines
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 1997
Norwegian study found no link between power line EMF and childhood cancer, but small sample size limits conclusions.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Norwegian researchers studied children living near high-voltage power lines from 1965-1989 to determine if electromagnetic field exposure increases cancer risk. They found no association between magnetic field exposure and childhood cancers, including leukemia and brain tumors. However, the authors noted the study had limited statistical power due to small sample sizes.
Cite This Study
Unknown (1997). Electromagnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Norwegian high-voltage power lines.
Show BibTeX
@article{electromagnetic_fields_and_cancer_in_children_residing_near_norwegian_high_voltage_power_lines_ce1589,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Electromagnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Norwegian high-voltage power lines},
year = {1997},
doi = {10.1093/OXFORDJOURNALS.AJE.A009094},
}Quick Questions About This Study
No significant association was found between living near Norwegian high-voltage power lines and childhood cancer rates from 1965-1989. The study examined multiple cancer types including leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma with no increased risk detected.
Researchers used computer programs that calculated electric and magnetic field exposure based on power line characteristics and distance from homes. They created time-weighted average exposure estimates for children living in census wards crossed by high-voltage lines.
The study examined all childhood cancers, with specific focus on brain tumors, lymphoma, and leukemia in children aged 0-14 years. Some elevated odds ratios were found for 'other cancers' but not consistently across exposure measures.
The study had small sample sizes which limited statistical power to detect associations. While no significant links were found, the researchers acknowledged they couldn't rule out potential effects due to insufficient numbers of exposed children.
The study followed children from 1965 to 1989, examining those who lived near power lines during census years 1960, 1970, 1980, 1985, 1987, or 1989. This provided nearly 25 years of cancer diagnosis data.