Electric & Magnetic Fields
Description
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible lines of force associated with the production, transmission, and use of electric power such as those associated with high-voltage transmission lines, secondary power lines, and home wiring and lighting. Electric and magnetic fields also arise from the motors and heating coils found in electronic equipment and appliances.
Because the use of electric power is so widespread, humans are constantly exposed to electric and magnetic fields. Studies conducted in the 1980s showed a link between magnetic field strength and the risk of childhood leukemia. After reviewing more than two decades of research in this area, NIEHS scientists have concluded that the overall pattern of results suggests a weak association between increasing exposure to EMFs and an increased risk of childhood leukemia. The few studies that have been conducted on adult exposures show no evidence of a link between residential EMF exposure and adult cancers, including leukemia, brain cancer, and breast cancer. Based on these reviews, the NIEHS recommends continued education on practical ways of reducing exposures to EMFs.
General Information
- Assessment of Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (3MB)
- EMF in the Workplace - A fact sheet from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) explaining the hazards of exposure to electromagnetic fields in the work environment.
- Environmental Health Perspectives, Environews by Topic: EMFs
- Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields (751KB)
- Research Links - Scientific Resources - Environmental Health - Electromagnetic Fields
- Results of EMF Research - EMF Questions & Answers Booklet (11MB)
- Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms: Cancer
- Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms: Mutagen
- The International EMF Project - Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1996 to assess the scientific evidence of possible health effects of EMF in the frequency range from 0 to 300 GHz, this website is an excellent source of information on EMF.
- World Health Organization, Information Resources
