Foreseeable Health Risk of Electric and Magnetic Field Residential Exposures

Abstract

Exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from the generation, distribution and utilization of electricity is widespread. The major debate in recent years has been the possibility that EMFs influence various effects on the human body especially development of cancer. Epidemiologists were the first scientists to publicize this fact through human population studies. Current investigations into this topic split up over diverse areas of research. This paper provides a review of information on health risk of EMF residential exposure. Four major areas have been considered for evaluating the possible risks with emphasis on recent studies. These include safety standards for EMFs, residential field measurement surveys, biological and epidemiological studies of diseases with foreseeable association with EMFs including childhood leukemia, breast cancer, and pregnancy adverse outcomes. On the basis of review findings, it is difficult to provide a robust conclusion about health risk of EMFs, raising the significance of researching this area further. No policy advise is offered, however, as a voluntary precautionary measure, public health professionals, regulatory authorities, standard setters, electric utilities, and individuals are encouraged to advocate minimizing EMF exposures wherever possible.