Exposure to electromagnetic fields and suicide among electric utility workers: a nested case-control study

Objectives-This nested case-control study examines mortality from suicide i n relation to estimated exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in a cohort of 138 905 male electric utility workers. Methods-Case-control sampling included 536 deaths from suicide and 5348 eli gible controls. Exposure was classified based on work in the most common jo bs with increased exposure to magnetic fields and indices of cumulative exp osure to magnetic fields based on a measurement survey. Results-Suicide mortality was increased relative to work in exposed jobs an d with indices of exposure to magnetic fields. Increased odds ratios (ORs) were found for years of employment as an electrician (OR 2.18; 95% confiden ce interval (95% CI) 1.25 to 3.80) or lineman (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.14 ), whereas a decreased OR was found for power plant operators (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.40). A dose response gradient with exposure to magnetic field s was found for exposure in the previous year, with a mortality OR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.90) in the highest exposure category. Stronger associatio ns, with ORs in the range of 2.12-3.62, were found for men <50 years of age . Conclusion-These data provide evidence for an association between occupatio nal electromagnetic fields and suicide that warrants further evaluation. A plausible mechanism related to melatonin and depression provides a directio n for additional laboratory research as well as epidemiological evaluation.