Magnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Swedish high-voltage power lines
Authors not listed · 1993
Swedish children near high-voltage power lines showed 2.7-3.8 times higher leukemia risk at magnetic field levels above 0.2 microtesla.
Plain English Summary
Swedish researchers studied 142 children who developed cancer while living within 300 meters of high-voltage power lines from 1960-1985. Children exposed to magnetic fields above 0.2 microtesla had 2.7 times higher leukemia risk, with risk increasing to 3.8 times at 0.3 microtesla levels. The association was specific to leukemia and did not appear for other childhood cancers.
Why This Matters
This landmark Swedish study represents one of the most rigorous investigations into childhood leukemia and power line EMF exposure. The science demonstrates a clear dose-response relationship - as magnetic field levels increased, so did leukemia risk. What makes this particularly concerning is that 0.2-0.3 microtesla exposure levels are not extreme; many homes near power lines, substations, or even with poor electrical wiring can exceed these thresholds. The reality is that this study's methodology was exceptionally thorough, using historical power line data to calculate actual exposure levels rather than simply measuring distance from lines. The researchers controlled for potential confounding factors, yet the leukemia association persisted. While industry advocates often dismiss such findings, independent research consistently points toward legitimate health concerns at exposure levels many families experience daily.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Show BibTeX
@article{magnetic_fields_and_cancer_in_children_residing_near_swedish_high_voltage_power_lines_ce1610,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Magnetic fields and cancer in children residing near Swedish high-voltage power lines},
year = {1993},
doi = {10.1093/OXFORDJOURNALS.AJE.A116881},
}