Testicular cancer and electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace: results of a population-based case-control study in Germany.
OBJECTIVE
In a population-based case-control study, we examined the association of testicular cancer and electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace.


METHODS
Incident cases (n = 269) were recruited between 1995 and 1997. A total of 797 controls matched on age and region were randomly selected from mandatory registries of residents. EMF exposure was assessed for five categories in standardized face-to-face interviews using closed questions. For each exposure category, odds ratios (OR) were calculated, stratified by age and region, and in a more complex model weighted by duration and distance using conditional logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were conducted for seminoma and non-seminoma and for blue- and white-collar workers. Additionally, potential radar exposure was individually assessed by experts based on all available information including free text.


RESULTS
There was no excess risk for cases who reported to have ever worked near the following: radar units (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.60-1.75); radiofrequency emitters (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.60-1.24); electrical machines (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.72-1.33): high-voltage lines or high-voltage electrical transmission installations (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.38-1.18); or visual display units or complex electrical environments (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.67-1.21). The results for the weighted exposure and subgroup analyses did not differ substantially. For radar exposure as assessed by the experts, the OR was 0.4 (95% CI = 0.13-1.16).


CONCLUSIONS
EMF exposure in the workplace does not seem to be a relevant risk factor for testicular cancer in our study.
Baumgardt-Elms
Cornelia
C
Hamburg Cancer Registry, Adolph-Schönfelder-Strasse 5, 22 083 Hamburg, Germany. cornelia.baumgardt-elms@bug.hamburg.de
Ahrens
Wolfgang
W
Bromen
Katja
K
Boikat
Ute
U
Stang
Andreas
A
Jahn
Ingeborg
I
Stegmaier
Christa
C
Jöckel
Karl-Heinz
KH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology