Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency: Risk of childhood CNS tumors in a city with elevated ELF-MF exposure

Environmental Research · 2025 · Harm · Moderate evidence

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HarmModerate evidencePaper 6802

Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood CNST (aOR=2.39). Prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet, was also significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.53 and 3.53 r…

Study snapshot

PublicationEnvironmental Research · 2025

Study typecase_control

Reported directionHarm

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

Background Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) are the second most common childhood cancer. While their etiology is unclear, exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and radiofrequency (RF) may be associated with increased risk. This study aims to examine the relationship between ELF-MF and RF exposure and CNST risk in Mexico City's pediatric population. Methods A case-control study was conducted in Mexico City (2017–2022), to assess ELF-MF and RF exposure in 200 CNST patients and 793 controls under 16 years old. Residential ELF-MF exposure was measured over 24 h, and RF exposure was assessed through the total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage (with and without internet). ELF-MF exposure levels below 0.1 μT and the lowest RF exposure quartile (Q1) served as reference groups for adjusted odds ratio (aOR) analyses. Data analysis was performed using R and SPSS software. Results Of all participants, 5.1 % had ELF-MF exposure ≥0.3 μT. Elevated ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with an increased risk of CNST (aOR (95 % confidence interval) = 2.39 (1.15–5.00). While cell phone use showed no differences between cases and controls, prolonged tablet use (with and without internet) was significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR = 2.53 (1.39–4.61), and 3.53 (1.45–8.59), respectively). Conclusion A high proportion of children in Mexico City are exposed to ELF-MF levels ≥0.3 μT, exceeding levels reported in other populations. Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure, as well as prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet connectivity, were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing CNST in childhood.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecase_control

Effect directionharm

Populationchildren under 16 years old in Mexico City

Sample size993

ExposureELF and RF · 24 h measurement for ELF-MF; total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage for RF

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 70% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST)

Limitations

Exposure assessment for RF was based on self-reported device usage rather than direct measurement.
Study limited to one city, which may affect generalizability.
Potential confounding factors not detailed in abstract.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "case_control",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF and RF",
    "source": "residential ELF-MF and tablet use (with and without internet)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "24 h measurement for ELF-MF; total duration of cell phone calls and electronic device usage for RF"
  },
  "population": "children under 16 years old in Mexico City",
  "sample_size": 993,
  "outcomes": [
    "childhood central nervous system tumors (CNST)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Elevated residential ELF-MF exposure (≥0.4 μT) was significantly associated with increased risk of childhood CNST (aOR=2.39). Prolonged tablet use, both with and without internet, was also significantly associated with increased CNST risk (aOR=2.53 and 3.53 respectively). Cell phone use showed no difference.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "Exposure assessment for RF was based on self-reported device usage rather than direct measurement.",
    "Study limited to one city, which may affect generalizability.",
    "Potential confounding factors not detailed in abstract."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.7,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "extremely low-frequency magnetic fields",
    "radiofrequency",
    "childhood cancer",
    "central nervous system tumors",
    "case-control study",
    "Mexico City",
    "tablet use"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0.3,
      "reason": "Study involves residential ELF-MF exposure assessment."
    },
    {
      "slug": "school-wi-fi",
      "weight": 0.5,
      "reason": "Tablet use with and without internet associated with risk, relevant to wireless device exposure in children."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: Not supplied

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