ID Number		516
Study Type		Epidemiology
Model		Occupational RF and ELF exposure to workers in various job categories in New Zealand and correlation with cancer
Details		Men in New Zealand with leukemia and other cancers (n=19,904, enrolled in one of 6 tertiary hematological oncology centers in NZ) were analyzed for electrical and RF exposure by job history. Regarding RF exposure, an initial study reported an increased incidence (OR 7.86, 95% CI of 2.20 - 28.09) for Radio/TV repairmen. An excess of leukemia was also reported when all occupational groups involving exposure to RF and ELF / magnetic fields (cases=18, controls=43) were compared. The authors also suggested that exposure to metal fumes and polychlorinated biphenyls may have contributed to the leukemia excess in electrical workers. In a subsequent analysis of 110 newly diagnosed leukemias from the same population group, however, no association with Radio/TV repairmen was found, although there were significantly less cases in this subsequent study for statistical analysis.
Findings		Effects
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		Wellington Sch. of Medicine, New Zealand
Funding Agency		Private/Instit.
Country		NEW ZEALAND
References		Pearce, N et al. Int. J. Epidemiol., (1989) 18:55-59 Pearce, NE Lancet, (1988) 2:48- Pearce, NE et al. Lancet, (1985) 1:811-812
Comments		An initial report in Lancet (1985) 1:811-812 indicated that the highest risk group was electronic equipment assemblers and and radio / television repairmen. This should have instead been radio / television repair and electricians