Association of leukemia, lymphoma and central nervous system tumors with the levels of electromagnetic field in the dwellings of diagnosed children living in Antalya

In this study, determination of electromagnetic field strength at dwellings of children living in Antalya city center, who have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma and primary tumors of central nervous system (CNS), and investigation of these diseases' association with electromagnetic field along with other variables have been aimed. The study has been planned as a case-control study. The case group consisted of a total of 72 18 years old and younger children who, between 2012 and 2014, were diagnosed at two hospitals in Antalya with leukemia (48), lymphoma (14), and CNS tumors (10). The control group on the other hand, was generated by simple random sampling of 144 healthy children, whose age and sex were matched with those of case group. The data have been obtained by using a questionnaire form and an electromagnetic field measuring device. Socio-demographic features, delivery, growth and family history have been questioned on the form. Instant measurements of electromagnetic field have been performed at children's homes. For statistical analysis, SPSS package 18.0 has been used. Chi square test, student's t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis have been utilized. Dependent variables were the presence of cancer (leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumor), leukemia, lymphoma, and CNS tumors. According to our results, chance of being diagnosed with cancer is 4.30 fold higher for those whose mothers received primary school education or less, 3.75 fold for those whose mothers were exposed to cigarette smoke or themselves smoked during pregnancy, 5.11 fold for those whose mothers did not take vitamins and/or iron during pregnancy, and 5.85 fold for those who have a family history of cancer. This study shows that risk of leukemia is 2.59 fold higher for those with a family income less than its expense, 4.86 fold for those whose mothers did not take vitamins and/or iron during pregnancy, and 8.75 fold for those who have a family history of cancer. Our results also demonstrate that risk of being diagnosed with lymphoma is 4.00 fold greater for the firstborn, 36.00 fold for those whose mothers received primary school education or less, 8.00 fold for those whose fathers received primary school education or less, 12.67 fold for those whose mothers did not take vitamins and/or iron during pregnancy, and 6.00 fold for those who have a family history of cancer. This study indicates that CNS tumor risk is 21.00 fold higher for those whose mothers received primary school education or less, 7.43 fold for those whose mothers did not take vitamins and/or iron during pregnancy. When measurements at the dwellings evaluated, mean electromagnetic field has been found to be 0.098 ± 0.108 µT for those with relapsed disease, compared to 0.062 ± 0.035 µT fort he control group (p<0.05). Mean electromagnetic field values emanating from ELF (50 Hz) range have been found to be higher for those who have relapsed cancer, than the control group. Electromagnetic field values at the dwellings of CNS tumor bearing children (0.112 ± 0.072 µT) have been found significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of control group (0.062 ± 0.035 µT), those of leukemia group (0.066 ± 0.065 µT), and those of lymphoma group (0.062 ± 0.032 µT). Moreover, CNS tumor incidence has been found to be 19 fold higher for those who live in houses with ELF range-sourced EMF values of 0.1 µT or above, than those with values below 0.1 µT (p<0.05). To conclude, this study has showed the existence of a correlation between CNS tumors and EMF levels stemming from ELF range. However, such a relation with leukemia and lymphoma has not been found owing to insufficient number of cases. For the future studies, working with larger groups in order to show the existence of an association, is essential.