Risk of leukemia and residence near a radio transmitter in Italy.
Michelozzi P, Ancona C, Fusco D, Forastiere F, Perucci CA · 1998
View Original AbstractMen living near high-power radio transmitters showed 3.5 times higher leukemia death rates, with risk declining by distance.
Plain English Summary
Researchers investigated a cluster of leukemia cases near a high-power radio transmitter in Rome, Italy. They found that men living within 3.5 kilometers of the transmitter had 3.5 times higher leukemia death rates than expected, with risk declining significantly as distance from the transmitter increased. This suggests a potential link between proximity to radio frequency radiation sources and increased leukemia risk in men.
Why This Matters
This Italian study adds to growing evidence that high-power radio frequency transmitters may pose cancer risks to nearby residents. The finding that men showed a clear distance-related pattern of leukemia risk - with mortality rates 3.5 times higher than expected within 3.5 kilometers - is particularly concerning given that many communities worldwide live near similar broadcasting facilities. What makes this research especially relevant is that it examined real-world exposure scenarios rather than laboratory conditions. The fact that risk declined with distance from the transmitter strengthens the case for a causal relationship. While the study had limitations in sample size and exposure measurement, it contributes to a pattern of findings suggesting we need stronger safety standards for radio frequency installations near residential areas.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
We conducted a small area study to investigate a cluster of leukemia near a high power radio-transmitter in a peripheral area of Rome.
The leukemia mortality within 3.5 km (5,863 inhabitants) was higher than expected (SMR=2.5, 95% conf...
Show BibTeX
@article{p_1998_risk_of_leukemia_and_2573,
author = {Michelozzi P and Ancona C and Fusco D and Forastiere F and Perucci CA},
title = {Risk of leukemia and residence near a radio transmitter in Italy.},
year = {1998},
url = {Not Available},
}