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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

Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and electrical shocks and acute myeloid leukemia in four Nordic countries

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 2015

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Large Nordic study of 32,000+ people found no link between workplace ELF magnetic field exposure and acute myeloid leukemia.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This large Nordic study tracked 5,409 acute myeloid leukemia cases and 27,045 controls across four countries to examine whether occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (like from power lines) or electrical shocks increases leukemia risk. The researchers found no association between either type of workplace exposure and acute myeloid leukemia development.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's ELF exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: ELFPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale
Cite This Study
Unknown (2015). Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and electrical shocks and acute myeloid leukemia in four Nordic countries.
Show BibTeX
@article{occupational_exposure_to_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_fields_and_electrical_shocks_and_acute_myeloid_leukemia_in_four_nordic_countries_ce1304,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and electrical shocks and acute myeloid leukemia in four Nordic countries},
  year = {2015},
  doi = {10.1007/s10552-015-0600-x},
  
}
DOI: 10.1007/s10552-015-0600-xPubMed: 25971677

Quick Questions About This Study

No, this Nordic study of over 32,000 people found no association between workplace ELF magnetic field exposure and acute myeloid leukemia. Workers with high exposure levels showed no increased cancer risk compared to those with background-level exposure.
About 7% of workers in this four-country Nordic study were exposed to high levels of ELF magnetic fields occupationally, while 40% experienced low-level exposure. These workplace exposures are typically much higher than residential exposure levels.
No, the study found no association between occupational electrical shock risk and acute myeloid leukemia. About 15% of workers faced high electrical shock risk, but showed no increased leukemia rates compared to low-risk workers.
The study tracked acute myeloid leukemia cases diagnosed between 1961 and 2005, spanning 44 years across Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This long timeframe allowed researchers to assess lifetime occupational exposure patterns and cancer development.
Yes, the researchers adjusted for concurrent occupational exposures known to increase acute myeloid leukemia risk, including benzene and ionizing radiation exposure. This methodology strengthens confidence that ELF magnetic fields specifically don't increase leukemia risk.