Neurodegenerative disease and magnetic field exposure in UK electricity supply workers

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This retrospective cohort study investigated whether occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) is associated with neurodegenerative disease. In the study, 73,051 electricity supply employees in the UK, hired between1952-82, were followed from 1973 till 2010 for neurodegenerative disease mortality. Exposure to occupational ELF MF was calculated using engineering data to determine the average magnetic fields in specified areas of work and then applied to information about the time spent in these areas. The study found no statistically significant associations between neurodegenerative disease and lifetime, recent (less than 10 years), or distant (more than 10 years) exposure to magnetic fields. The authors conclude that there is no convincing evidence to support the hypothesis that exposure to ELF MF is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease.

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There have been many studies investigating the association between ELF MF exposure and neurodegenerative disease (see meta-analysis by Vergara et al 2013, presented in the February 2013 report). Further research is required in this area as other studies have shown a possible association.