Extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure, electrical shocks and risk of Parkinson's disease.
van der Mark M, Vermeulen R, Nijssen PC, Mulleners WM, Sas AM, van Laar T, Kromhout H, Huss A. · 2014
View Original AbstractThis large study found no link between ELF magnetic field exposure and Parkinson's disease risk.
Plain English Summary
Researchers studied whether exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (the type from power lines and electrical equipment) increases the risk of Parkinson's disease. They compared 444 Parkinson's patients with 876 healthy controls, examining both workplace and household electrical exposures. The study found no increased risk of Parkinson's disease from ELF magnetic field exposure or electrical shocks.
Why This Matters
This Dutch study adds to a mixed body of research on ELF magnetic fields and neurological health. While some earlier studies suggested possible links between electrical occupations and Parkinson's disease, this well-designed case-control study with over 1,300 participants found no such association. The researchers even observed slightly reduced risk estimates across most exposure categories, though they correctly note this likely doesn't represent true protection. What this means for you: the evidence continues to suggest that the ELF magnetic fields from household appliances, power lines, and electrical work don't meaningfully increase Parkinson's risk. However, this single study shouldn't be viewed in isolation. The broader research on ELF fields and neurological effects remains an active area of investigation, particularly regarding other brain-related conditions where the evidence base is more concerning.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
We evaluated the associations of PD with exposure to ELF-MF, electrical shocks and having worked in "electrical occupations."
We conducted a hospital-based case-control study, including 444 PD patients and 876 age- and sex-mat...
No association of PD risk with any of the evaluated exposures related to electricity was observed. W...
The results of this study suggest that no association exists between PD and exposure to ELF-MF, electrical shocks or having worked in "electrical occupations."
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2014_extremely_lowfrequency_magnetic_field_1777,
author = {van der Mark M and Vermeulen R and Nijssen PC and Mulleners WM and Sas AM and van Laar T and Kromhout H and Huss A.},
title = {Extremely low-frequency magnetic field exposure, electrical shocks and risk of Parkinson's disease.},
year = {2014},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24939428/},
}