ELF Magnetic Fields and Childhood Leukemia

SummaryEpidemiological evidence: Limited- consistent results across several well-conducted studies- few studies have higher impact on overall results- selection bias in measurement studies leads to overestimation;but can it explain the entire association?- combination of chance, bias, and confounding possibleBiological evidence: Weak- no convincing facts, few promising hypotheses- no established large risk factors for childhood leukemia- even trends in incidence rates are discussed controversiallyPublic health effect: None or presumably small- few percent (maybe underestimated due to exposure measures)- detection by comparing incidence data difficultPromising areas of research:- pathways to childhood leukemia- cohorts (birth cohorts, cohorts of susceptible children, cohortsof highly exposed children)Institute of Cancer Epidemiology