Evaluation of occupational exposure to magnetic fields and motor neuron disease mortality in a population-based cohort
Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, December 1, 2011 | Online publication on April 1, 2011
Author(s):
Lauren E Parlett
, Joseph D Bowman, Edwin van Wijngaarden
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e318237a1d0 | Pubmed ID: 22076040
Abstract
Objective: Epidemiologic evidence for the association between electromagnetic fields and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND), has been inconclusive. We evaluated the association between electromagnetic fields and MND among workers in occupations potentially exposed to magnetic fields
Methods: MND mortality (ICD-9 335.2) was examined in the National Longitudinal Mortality Study using multivariable proportional hazards models. Occupational exposure to magnetic fields was determined on the basis of a population-based job-exposure matrix. Age at entry, education, race, sex, and income were considered for inclusion as covariates
Results: After adjusting for age, sex, and education, there were no increased risks of MND mortality in relation to potential magnetic field exposure, with hazard ratios around the null in all magnetic field exposure quartiles
Conclusions: Our study does not provide evidence for an association between magnetic field exposure and MND mortality.
Author Commentary
This was my very first published manuscript! I was a graduate student at the University of Rochester and my advisor, Edwin, urged me to work on an analysis that could be published. My time at Xerox increased my interest in occupational exposures and their effect on health. So, with that interest and the support of my advisor, I did this analysis.
Funding Transparency
No funding has been identified for this publication.
Tags
Analytic: secondary data analysis | proportional hazards | sdoh
Data Source: national survey
Research Focus: occupational exposure | nervous system
Study Design: cohort study
Entry last updated (DMY): 10-11-2024.