Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MF) and Radiofrequency: Risk of Childhood CNS Tumors in a City with Elevated ELF-MF Exposure

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: ELF-MF, radiofrequency, childhood cancer, CNS tumors, Mexico City, exposure assessment, tablet use DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122858 URL: sciencedirect.com Overview Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) are the second most common childhood cancer. With unclear etiology, recent concerns have risen regarding the effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency (RF) exposures. This study was conducted to examine the potential relationship between these exposures and CNST risk among Mexico City's pediatric population. Methods - Design: Case-control study (2017–2022) in Mexico City - Participants: 200 CNST patients, 793 controls (all under 16 years old) - Exposure Assessment: - Residential ELF-MF measured over a 24-hour period - RF exposure evaluated via duration of cell phone and electronic device usage - Reference Groups: ELF-MF exposure <0.1 μT, lowest RF quartile (Q1) - Data Analysis: R and SPSS software Findings - 5.1% of participants had ELF-MF exposure ≥0.3 μT. - Significant association: Elevated ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) doubled the risk of CNST (aOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.15-5.00). - No association between cell phone use and CNST risk. - Prolonged tablet use linked to substantial CNST risk: - aOR=2.53 (95% CI: 1.39-4.61) with internet use - aOR=3.53 (95% CI: 1.45-8.59) without internet use Conclusion A significant portion of Mexico City children are exposed to ELF-MF levels ≥0.3 μT—higher than global averages. Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure and prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet connectivity, were significantly linked to increased childhood CNST risk. Highlights - Many Mexico City children exposed to ELF-MF ≥0.3 μT, surpassing global norms. - Elevated ELF-MF exposure correlates with increased childhood CNS tumor risk. - Prolonged tablet use also linked to higher CNST risk, especially in ages 6-10. - No CNST risk detected from cell phone use.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a Mexico City case-control study (2017–2022; 200 cases, 793 controls), elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.15–5.00). No association was observed between cell phone use and CNST risk. Prolonged tablet use was associated with higher CNST risk both with internet use (aOR=2.53; 95% CI: 1.39–4.61) and without internet use (aOR=3.53; 95% CI: 1.45–8.59).

Outcomes measured

• Childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST) risk

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.05)
  Study concerns elevated ELF-MF exposure, but exposure is residential rather than occupational; hub match is weak.

{
    "study_type": "case_control",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF and RF",
        "source": "residential ELF-MF; mobile phone and electronic device (tablet) use",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Residential ELF-MF measured over 24 hours; RF exposure via duration of cell phone/electronic device usage"
    },
    "population": "Children under 16 years old in Mexico City (cases: CNS tumor patients; controls)",
    "sample_size": 993,
    "outcomes": [
        "Childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST) risk"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a Mexico City case-control study (2017–2022; 200 cases, 793 controls), elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.15–5.00). No association was observed between cell phone use and CNST risk. Prolonged tablet use was associated with higher CNST risk both with internet use (aOR=2.53; 95% CI: 1.39–4.61) and without internet use (aOR=3.53; 95% CI: 1.45–8.59).",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "ELF-MF",
        "radiofrequency",
        "childhood cancer",
        "central nervous system tumors",
        "Mexico City",
        "case-control",
        "exposure assessment",
        "tablet use",
        "cell phone use"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.05000000000000000277555756156289135105907917022705078125,
            "reason": "Study concerns elevated ELF-MF exposure, but exposure is residential rather than occupational; hub match is weak."
        }
    ]
}

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