EMF and Risk of Childhood Leukemia

Numerous epidemiological, or population studies and comprehensive reviews have evaluated magnetic field exposure and risk of cancer in children. In a large, nationwide case-control study of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, researchers from NCI and the Children’s Cancer Group (CCG) measured magnetic fields directly in homes. This study found that children living in homes with high magnetic field levels did not have an increased risk of leukemia. The one exception may have been children living in homes that had greater than 0.4 microtesla, a very high level that occurs in few residences. Researchers also measured the distance from homes to the nearest overhead powerlines, which emit EMF, and studied the physical features of the powerlines. Children in the study living close to overhead powerlines were not at greater risk of leukemia. We are currently analyzing EMF and survival from childhood leukemia.

Fact sheet