Biological Effects Of Power Line Fields

Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? This volume assesses the data and draws conclusions about the consequences of human exposure to EMF. The committee examines what is known about three kinds of health effects associated with EMF: cancer, primarily childhood leukemia; reproduction and development; and neurobiological effects. This book provides a detailed discussion of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization for each. Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields also discusses the tools available to measure exposure, common types of exposures, and what is known about the effects of exposure. The committee looks at correlations between EMF exposure and carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, neurobehavioral effects, reproductive and developmental effects, effects on melatonin and other neurochemicals, and effects on bone healing and stimulated cell growth.

This report was prepared by the Office of Technology Assessment of the United States Congress to review the health effects of high-voltage transmission lines. For about two decades, there has been some concern about the health effects of electric and magnetic fields produced by transmission lines. Recent studies have heightened this concern. Health effects research is still preliminary and inconclusive, but a growing number of studies suggest that under certain circumstances even relatively weak electric and magnetic fields can produce biologic changes.This report discusses the present state of knowledge on the health effects of low-frequency electric and magnetic fields and describes current U. S. funding levels and research programs. Also, the report provides information on regulatory activity, including existing and proposed field exposure standards.

The possible health effects of electro-magnetic (EMF) from high-voltage electric power lines have been discussed sine the 1970s. The concern was triggered by epidemilogical studies in the United States and Europe that suggested a slightly increased incidence of leukaemia's and brain tumours occured among those living and working near high-voltage power lines. Although studies can indicate an associate between factor and effect, the studies themselves cannot confirm a cause-effect relationship. Whether EMF is producing these ill effects must be confirmed by experimental studies.

The final report of a 5-year study by a scientific advisory panel to the NY State Health Dept. Determines if there are health hazards associated with electric and magnetic fields produced by 60-Hz (50-Hz in Europe) power transmission (especially 765-kv) lines. Discusses reproduction and development, cancer, cell biology, neurobiology and behavior. Extensive bibliography. Charts, graphs and tables.