1. On the clarification of possible associations between low-frequency magnetic fields and neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are disorders of the central or peripheral nervous system in which nerve cells degenerate and die. This leads to dysfunction in the brain (e.g. memory disturbances, dementias) and the musculoskeletal system (e.g. multiple sclerosis/MS, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/ALS).

Epidemiological studies (human observational studies) have been conducted, showing an association between high exposure to magnetic fields and ALS or Alzheimer's dementia in occupationally highly exposed groups of individuals. For Alzheimer's dementia, one study revealed an additional indication of an association with residential proximity and duration of residence near to high-voltage power lines. In contrast to this, the results of epidemiological studies show no association between exposure to magnetic fields and Parkinson's disease or MS. Experimental animal studies have not yet been able to confirm the epidemiological findings; no action mechanism is known either.

Recent epidemiological data and their summary analyses are to be used to update the data on a possible association between neurodegenerative diseases and magnetic fields or also electric shocks. If the findings made so far are confirmed, the causality of the association will be verified in animal studies and studies with cell cultures, and possible action mechanisms will be investigated.

Research projects

1.1. Meta-analysis of the association between neurodegenerative diseases and exposure to magnetic fields

There have been several new publications since the last meta-analysis of occupational exposure to magnetic fields and neurodegenerative diseases. The literature review will provide a summarizing risk assessment of all existing studies that will have been published in the meantime, with the quality and power of the studies being evaluated using a standardised procedure.

1.2. Pooled analysis of the association between ALS and exposure to magnetic fields

More recent epidemiological studies also investigated the association between ALS and electric shocks in addition to magnetic fields in the affected occupational groups. However, the data are very inconsistent. The original data from high-quality studies on ALS will be analysed statistically, thus allowing firm statements about the risk. Various exposure scenarios (medium exposure to magnetic fields, electric shocks etc.) will be considered in the process.

1.3. International Workshop on the association between neurodegenerative diseases and exposure to magnetic fields

The workshop took place from 12 to 14 December 2017 in Munich. Among the participants were physicians, biologists, epidemiologists, physicists and engineers. The current state of scientific knowledge was summarised and discussed under various aspects. Knowledge gaps were identified and possible research approaches were discussed The results will be incorporated into the further planning of the research projects 1.4 to 1.7.

The report on the results of the workshop was published in the Digital Online Repository and Information System (DORIS) of the BfS.

1.4. Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on the development and progression of ALS in animal models (in vivo)

Based on the results of the workshop and the literature review, suitable animal models and endpoints to be investigated will be chosen and animal experiments using exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields will be conducted.

1.5. Effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on the development and course of Alzheimer's dementia in animal models (in vivo)

Based on the results of the workshop and the literature review, suitable animal models and endpoints to be investigated will be chosen and animal experiments using exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields will be conducted.

1.6. Mechanisms of action of low-frequency magnetic fields in the development of ALS in cell cultures (in vitro)

Based on the results of the workshop and the literature review, suitable cell lines (or samples from the in vivo studies) and endpoints to be investigated will be chosen and laboratory studies with cells exposed to low-frequency magnetic fields will be conducted.

1.7. Mechanisms of action of low-frequency magnetic fields in the development of Alzheimer's dementia in cell cultures (in vitro)

Based on the results of the workshop and the literature review, suitable cell lines (or samples from the in vivo studies) and endpoints to be investigated will be chosen and laboratory studies with cells exposed to low-frequency magnetic fields will be conducted.

Outcome of the online consultation