Low frequency electromagnetic fields and health problems

Full text: Electromagnetic fields developed around the electric circuits are considered as magnetic pollution and these fields are produced wherever electric appliances or machinery are used at home as well as at workplace. Electric fields and magnetic fields around the home are produced by anything with electric current flowing through it including: the street power lines, the home wiring system, electric ovens, refrigerators, washing machines, electric clothes dryers, vacuum cleaners, television sets, video cassette recorders, toasters, light bulbs, clock radios, electric blankets, mobile phones, etc. In the workplace they would be produced by: nearby power lines, factory machinery, computers/video display units, lights, photocopiers, electrical cabling etc. As one can see, human life is strongly dependent on using-electric appliance. A large number of studies have been undertaken to find out the correlation between electromagnetic fields and health problems. The following significant results have been reported [Lerner E.J., IEEE Spectrum, 57-67, May 1984]: (a) Induction of chromosomal defects in mice spermatogenetic cells following microwave radiation in the Ghz range; (b) Changes in the calcium balance of living cats' brains exposed to microwaves modulated at extremely low frequencies; (c) Alternation of nerve and bone cells exposed to extremely low frequency fields; (d) Decreased activity of the immune cells of mice exposed to modulated microwaves; (e) Apparent increase in deformed foetuses among miniature swine exposed to intense power-line frequency fields. The mostly investigated effect is the effect of electromagnetic irradiation in particular one produced by power lines, and cancer. More than 100 epidemiological studies have been reported but no conclusive result was achieved. A number of studies with laboratory animals were also inconclusive. However, some of these experiments have shown improvements in immune system and tumour suppression when experimental animals are exposed to electromagnetic irradiation while others have shown that irradiation promote tumour development but only in presence of chemical carcinogen [Carstensen E.L., IEEE Eng. in Med.and Bio., 14, 362-369, 1995]. A report published [Gilles Theriault, IEEE Spectrum, Special report on environment. 16-23, Dec.1994] showing increase in risk for acute leukemia and brain cancer among the utility workers. Furthermore a connection has recently been found between miscarriages and field exposure. Several other studies on the other hand have found no correlation between miscarriage and the number of hours worked at the computer terminals. Little as yet is certain about such a field exposure related health problems and also it is unclear that what aspects of electromagnetic fields might cause these problems. The authors are reviewing the relevant literature on these issues and wish to find, on scientific basis, answer for the question whether the exposure to magnetic fields lead to any general or specific adverse health effects in humans or animals