Electromagnetic Fields
Article on Electromagnetic Fields published in Medical Electronics.
A Survey of present knowledge concerning low-frequency electromagnetic radiation from power lines, home wiring, appliances, television and computer displays.
Can electromagnetic fields (EMF) from power lines, distribution lines and appliances cause brain tumors, leukemia, birth defects, and other health problems? Numerous studies b) have produced contradictory results, yet some experts are convinced the threat is real. Dr. David Carpenter, dean at the School of Public Health, State University of New York, says: "This is really harming people." According to Dr. Carpenter, it is likely that 10% to15 % of all childhood cancers come from exposure to residential power lines. The Environmental Protection Agency warns: "There is a reason for concern" and advises "prudent avoidance." Martin Halper, the EPA's director of Analysis and Support, goes even further." I have never seen a set of epidemiological studies that remotely approached the weight of evidence that we're seeing with ELF (extremely low frequency) electromagnetic fields. Clearly there is something there. In late 1989, the Wall Street Journal c) reported that electromagnetic radiation was linked to cancer and leukemia. Even more alarming, the Electric Power Research Institute, the leading arm of the electric utility companies, had "only praise" for the methodology used in a power line study that linked leukemia, prostate and other cancers in young men with chronic exposure to magnetic fields. In November of 1989 the Department of Energy reported: "It has now become generally accepted that there are, indeed, biological effects due to field exposure." By 1990, over one hundred studies had been conducted worldwide. Of these, at least two dozen indicated a linkage between electromagnetic radiation and serious health problems. In response to public pressure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began reviewing and evaluate the available literature. In draft report issued in March 1990, a) the staff of the EPA recommended that magnetic fields be classified as a Class B carcinogen. This category is for "probable human carcinogens," and includes formaldehyde, DDT, dioxins and PCBs. However, in a later watered-down revision, the reference to Class B was deleted, and the following explanation was added :"At this time such a characterization regarding the link between cancer and exposure to EM field and biological process leading to cancer is not understood." Curiously, this rather unusual logic appears on the very same page as the following : "In conclusion, several studies showing leukemia, lymphoma, and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to magnetic fields from residential 60 Hz electrical distribution systems, supported by similar findings in adults in several occupational studies also involving exposures, show a consistent pattern of response that suggests a casual link."
There are several frequency ranges for magnetic and electromagnetic fields, which are commonly found around our homes and businesses. ELF (extremely low frequency) which radiates from 60 Hz current, such as power lines, and VLF (very low frequency) which comes from the 15 kHz to 85 kHz scanning frequencies found in TV's and computer display terminals. Third is VHF to UHF to microwave frequency ranging from 100 MHz to 3 GHz found radiating from cell phones, (click on article from Idaho Observer) radio, TV and microwave transmitters and microwave ovens. The long time exposure to high levels in any of those frequencies has to be avoided. d)
a) EPA draft report March 1990. See Nature, vol.345, 6-7-90, pg. 463, Science, vol. 249, pg. 1379, Sept. 21, 1990.
b)The Lancet, Jan 29, 1983, pg 246, New England Journal of Medicine, vol 307, no.4, July 22, 1982, pg. 249.
c) The New Yorker, June 12, 1989, pg. 69 and Cancer Research, August 1988, pg. 4222.
d) See the EMF Book by Mark Pinsky for a summary of studies. In a study of 500,000 people, continuous exposure to 2 mG (at 50 Hz) in Europe correlated to 2.7-fold increase in childhood leukemia rate. See New Scientist, Oct.31 92, pg. 4.
These types of radiation can be measured with the Gauss Meter. The basic meter will measure only AC magnetic field strength. A more sophisticated Trifield Meter® will measure them all. You can measure those fields yourself.
