Case-control study of occupational exposure to electric shocks and magnetic fields and mortality from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the US, 1991-1999

Authored By:

Vergara X, et al

Summary:

This case-control study investigated whether occupational exposure to ELF magnetic fields and electrical shocks are related to mortality from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the study the occupational exposure to ELF magnetic fields and electrical shocks was compared between 5,886 cases (that died of ALS between 1991 and 1999) and 57,667 controls. Exposure to ELF magnetic fields and electrical shocks was assessed via the same JEM used by van der Mark et al. There was a statistically significant positive association between occupational magnetic fields greater than 0.3 µT and ALS mortality (odds ratio, OR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.00-1.19). There was a statistically significant protective effect between electrical shocks and ALS mortality (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.67-0.79). The authors report that ELF magnetic fields and electrical shocks are inversely related to ALS mortality.

Link to:

Link to PubMed abstract

Published In:

J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2014: in press