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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Cancer & Tumors

Electromagnetic fields and health effects--epidemiologic studies of cancer, diseases of the central nervous system and arrhythmia-related heart disease

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2004

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A large Danish study concluded that occupational 50-Hz EMF exposure is not associated with increased cancer risk but may be associated with ALS risk.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

No increased risks were found for leukemia, brain tumors, or breast cancer among the utility workers. Utility workers showed a significantly increased ALS mortality rate that rose with longer employment and higher EMF exposure. The mobile phone cohort showed no increased risk for brain tumors, acoustic neuroma, salivary gland tumors, or leukemia.

Why This Matters

Workers highly exposed to asbestos had significantly increased risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma. A significantly increased mortality rate from electric accidents was also observed among the utility workers. The researchers hypothesized that the ALS mortality increase might be linked to EMF exposure or electric shocks. No increased mortality from cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease was found, and pacemaker register data showed no increased risk of severe arrhythmia-related heart disease. The mobile phone data were analyzed by duration of use, latency, phone system (NMT or GSM), and age at first subscription. Ocular malignant melanoma incidence remained stable in Denmark over nearly 50 years despite rising mobile phone subscriptions.

Exposure Information

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

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (2004). Electromagnetic fields and health effects--epidemiologic studies of cancer, diseases of the central nervous system and arrhythmia-related heart disease.
Show BibTeX
@article{electromagnetic_fields_and_health_effects_epidemiologic_studies_of_cancer_diseases_of_the_central_nervous_system_and_arrhythmia_related_heart_disease_ce1047,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Electromagnetic fields and health effects--epidemiologic studies of cancer, diseases of the central nervous system and arrhythmia-related heart disease},
  year = {2004},
  
  
}
PubMed: 15255560

Quick Questions About This Study

The study examined leukemia, brain tumors, and breast cancer as cancers suggested a priori to be associated with EMF exposure.
Utility workers had a significantly increased ALS mortality rate that showed an increasing trend with longer duration of employment and higher EMF exposure.
No increased risk was observed for brain tumors, acoustic neuroma, salivary gland tumors, or leukemia among mobile phone subscribers.
The investigation also studied neurodegenerative diseases, finding an increased risk of ALS confirmed by hospital register data. An increased risk of multiple sclerosis was observed but not significant, while no increased risk of severe arrhythmia-related heart disease or cardiovascular mortality was found.
The researchers concluded that occupational 50-Hz EMF is not associated with increased cancer risk but that EMF, electric shocks, or another factor related to alternating current electricity may be associated with ALS risk.