METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND CANCER

In this paper, we will focus on a few key methodological concerns that have an important role in the interpretation of past studies and in the design of future investigations. Although the possible existence of an etiologic relation between electromagnetic fields and cancer is our guiding concern, we will not draw conclusions regarding its presence or absence. Instead, we will characterize the major areas of uncertainty in the epidemiologic literature. For each major research area, we will describe the approaches of a past studies, evaluate the potential bias related to each approach, suggest needed methodological research, and recommend strategies for future studies. We will address three major themes: a) exposure assessment; b) confounding; and c) possible etiologic mechanisms and their implications for epidemiologic studies.