Katja Bromen

The possible role of radiofrequency radiation in the development of uveal melanoma.

There are few epidemiologic studies dealing with electromagnetic radiation and uveal melanoma. The majority of these studies are exploratory and are based on job and industry titles only. We conducted a hospital-based and population-based case-control study of uveal melanoma and occupational exposures to different sources of electromagnetic radiation, including radiofrequency radiation. We then pooled these results. We interviewed a total of 118 female and male cases with uveal melanoma and 475 controls matching on sex, age, and study regions. Exposure to radiofrequency-transmitting devices was rated as (a) no radiofrequency radiation exposure, (b) possible exposure to mobile phones, or (c) probable/certain exposure to mobile phones. Exposures were rated independently by two of the authors who did not know case or control status. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We found an elevated risk for exposure to radiofrequency-transmitting devices (exposure to radio sets, OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.4–6.3; probable/certain exposure to mobile phones, OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.2–14.5). Other sources of electromagnetic radiation such as high-voltage lines, electrical machines, complex electrical environments, visual display terminals, or radar units were not associated with uveal melanoma. This is the first study describing an association between radiofrequency radiation exposure and uveal melanoma. Several methodologic limitations prevent our results from providing clear evidence on the hypothesized association.

Testicular cancer and electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace: results of a population-based case–control study in Germany

Objectives: 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 & equals; 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.

Pet birds and risk of lung cancer in North-Western Germany

In a case-control study on lung cancer and occupational exposures, a subgroup of 144 cases and 253 population-based controls interviewed in the last 16 months of the study, were additionally asked about their exposure to pet birds and other pets. We used the same questionnaire as a previous German study that found a positive association between pet bird keeping and lung cancer. Odds ratios were calculated for lifetime and adulthood exposure respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for ever keeping pet birds was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.53-1.35), and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.56-1.36) for adulthood exposure. There was no evidence of a trend for increasing lung cancer risk with duration of pet bird keeping. With decreasing age at diagnosis, an apparent risk emerged, yielding an odds ratio of 7.62 (95% CI: 2.15-26.95) for ever versus never in the youngest age group (< or =55 years). This odds ratio was reduced to 3.82 (95% CI: 0.98-14.92) after adjustment for smoking and was only 1.39 (95% CI: 0.49-3.95) for adulthood exposure. In general, our results indicate that pet bird keeping does not seem to increase the risk of lung cancer. The divergent findings at younger ages may be explained by age-related recall bias, but should be investigated in future studies.

Carpenters, cabinetmakers, and risk of testicular germ cell cancer.

Objective: A recent cohort study showed an increased risk of testicular cancer among members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. We explored our data of a German population-based case–control study on the etiology of testicular cancer with regard to this association. Methods: The case–control study included 269 testicular cancer cases and 797 controls. We applied conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: People who worked as cabinetmakers or carpenters had an OR of 0.84 (95% CI = 0.45–1.56). Risks were increased among cabinetmakers who worked at least 15 years ago (OR = 5.81, 95% CI = 1.20–28.09). Ever being employed as a carpenter was associated with a reduced OR of 0.59 (95% CI = 0.24–1.46). Conclusions: Cabinetmakers may be at an increased risk of testicular cancer.