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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and electric shocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
JournalArticle (Originalarbeit in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift)
ID
4646353
Author(s)
Jalilian, H.; Najafi, K.; Khosravi, Y.; Röösli, M.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, occupational exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and electric shocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal
Reviews on environmental health
Volume
36
Number
1
Pages / Article-Number
129-142
Keywords
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; electric shocks; magnetic fields; meta-analysis; occupational exposure; systematic review
Mesh terms
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, etiology; Electric Injuries, complications; Humans; Magnetic Fields, adverse effects; Occupational Exposure, adverse effects; Risk Factors
Abstract
Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and electric shocks occurs in many workplaces and occupations but it is unclear whether any of these exposures cause Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore whether occupational exposure to ELF-MF and/or electric shocks are risk factor for ALS. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to the end of 2019. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis including exploration of the sources of heterogeneity between studies and publication bias. Twenty-seven publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found a weak, significant, association between occupational exposure to ELF-MF and the risk of ALS (RRPooled estimate: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.38) with moderate to high heterogeneity (I2=66.3%) and indication of publication bias (PEgger's test=0.03). No association was observed between occupational exposure to electric shocks and risk of ALS (RRPooled estimate: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.80, 1.17) with high heterogeneity (I2=80.5%), and little indication for publication bias (PEgger's test=0.24). The findings indicate that occupational exposure to ELF-MF, but not electric shocks, might be a risk factor for ALS. However, given the moderate to high heterogeneity and potential publication bias, the results should be interpreted with caution.
