Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency: Risk of childhood CNS tumors in a city with elevated ELF-MF exposure

Abstract

Background Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) are the second most common childhood cancer. While their etiology is unclear, exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency (RF) may be associated with increased risk. This study aims to examine the relationship between ELF-MF and RF exposure and CNST risk in Mexico City's pediatric population. Methods A case-control study was conducted in Mexico City (2017–2022), to assess ELF-MF and RF exposure in 200 CNST patients and 793 controls under 16 years old. Residential ELF-MF exposure was measured over 24 h, and RF exposure was assessed through the total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage (with and without internet). ELF-MF exposure levels below 0.1 μT and the lowest RF exposure quartile (Q1) served as reference groups for adjusted odds ratio (aOR) analyses. Data analysis was performed using R and SPSS software. Results Of all participants, 5.1 % had ELF-MF exposure ≥0.3 μT. Elevated ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with an increased risk of CNST (aOR (95 % confidence interval) = 2.39 (1.15–5.00). While cell phone use showed no differences between cases and controls, prolonged tablet use (with and without internet) was significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR = 2.53 (1.39–4.61), and 3.53 (1.45–8.59), respectively). Conclusion A high proportion of children in Mexico City are exposed to ELF-MF levels ≥0.3 μT, exceeding levels reported in other populations. Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure, as well as prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet connectivity, were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing CNST in childhood.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood CNST (aOR=2.39). Prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet, was also significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.53 and 3.53 respectively). Cell phone use showed no difference.

Outcomes measured

• childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST)

Limitations

• Exposure assessment for RF was based on self-reported device usage rather than direct measurement.
• Study limited to one city, which may affect generalizability.
• Potential confounding factors not detailed in abstract.

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.3)
  Study involves residential ELF-MF exposure assessment.
• school-wi-fi (0.5)
  Tablet use with and without internet associated with risk, relevant to wireless device exposure in children.

{
    "study_type": "case_control",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF and RF",
        "source": "residential ELF-MF and tablet use (with and without internet)",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "24 h measurement for ELF-MF; total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage for RF"
    },
    "population": "children under 16 years old in Mexico City",
    "sample_size": 993,
    "outcomes": [
        "childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood CNST (aOR=2.39). Prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet, was also significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.53 and 3.53 respectively). Cell phone use showed no difference.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure assessment for RF was based on self-reported device usage rather than direct measurement.",
        "Study limited to one city, which may affect generalizability.",
        "Potential confounding factors not detailed in abstract."
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "moderate",
    "confidence": 0.6999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency magnetic fields",
        "radiofrequency",
        "childhood cancer",
        "central nervous system tumors",
        "case-control study",
        "Mexico City",
        "tablet use"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.299999999999999988897769753748434595763683319091796875,
            "reason": "Study involves residential ELF-MF exposure assessment."
        },
        {
            "slug": "school-wi-fi",
            "weight": 0.5,
            "reason": "Tablet use with and without internet associated with risk, relevant to wireless device exposure in children."
        }
    ]
}

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