Residential magnetic fields and measures of neutral-to-earth voltage: variability within and between residences.

The objectives of this study were to characterize temporal patterns of magnetic fields (Bavg) and two measures of neutral-to-earth voltage: the voltage between the water line and earth (VW-E), and the voltage between bathtub plumbing fixtures and the drain (Vbath). The latter is a source of exposure to contact current in bathing children that has been proposed to explain the reported association between power-frequency magnetic fields and childhood leukemia. These quantities were measured each minute in a sample of 15 single-detached residences in San Jose, CA. Generally, Bavg, VW-E, and Vbath were positively correlated with each other within residences, and displayed similar diurnal patterns. Weekday and weekend patterns displayed qualitative differences that reflect the more scheduled workday for weekdays, and a less structured pattern for weekends. When pooled with two prior measurement studies, positive associations across residences between Bavg and both VW-E and Vbath were observed. Home designs over the past 30-40 years have lead to a decreasing prevalence of Vbath as conductive drains have been swapped out for non-conductive materials. Nonetheless, the observed relationships within and across residences indicate that contact current has the characteristics of a factor that could explain the association of magnetic fields with childhood leukemia.

A nested case-control study of brain tumors among employees at a petroleum exploration and extraction research facility.

Work-related exposures potentially associated with a cluster of brain tumors at a petroleum exploration and extraction research facility were evaluated in a nested case-control study. Fifteen cases were identified in the original cohort and 150 matched controls were selected. Odds ratios (ORs) for occupational exposure to petroleum, radiation, solvents, magnetic fields, and work activities were near or below 1.0. ORs near 1.5 were observed for: working with computers (OR = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30-9.35); work-related travel (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 0.25-5.95), and travel immunizations (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 0.23-9.45). Higher ORs were observed for work in administrative and marketing buildings and for achieving a master's or higher degree (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.4-10.7). While some ORs above 1.5 were noted, no work-related chemical and physical exposures were significantly associated with the occurrence of brain tumors among employees at this facility.