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.