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UTAH RADIATION CONTROL BOARD POSITION STATEMENT -December 10, 1993
Health Effects from Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (ELF-EMF)
In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the possible health effects from the extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from electric power transmission lines and from electrical devices using the alternating current from these transmission lines. In addition to the heightened concerns of the public about ELF-EMF, much uncertainty exists in the scientific community regarding the possible health effects from ELF-EMF radiation. This uncertainty arises from seemingly conflicting and contradictory study results from various research groups. There is also disagreement on what kind of study is the best measure of the potential hazards, and disagreement on what aspect of the electromagnetic field to study.
The studies, to date, have focused on: epidemiological data, animal studies, or in vitro cellular studies. Epidemiological studies have attempted to determine if there is an increase in a biological effect (i.e., leukemia) from ELF-EMF radiation from the normal incidence of the effect. Since the occurrence of such biological effects as leukemia is dependent on natural fluctuations (background incidence), it is difficult to identify any occurrence that might be due to ELF-EMF exposure. In identifying individuals receiving higher exposures to ELF-EMF, some studies have relied on estimates of the field intensities based on the electrical wiring configurations near and in homes rather than on actual measurements of the fields. Most of the epidemiological studies have also focused on smaller groups of people rather than on larger groups that may be more representative of the general population. Other environmental insults (confounding factors) may produce the same effects that are being studied as possibly being caused by ELF-EMF.
Animal and in vitro studies have shown some biological effects from ELF-EMF, but the exposure levels are typically higher than those expected in the human body and it is difficult to extrapolate the results of the studies to effects in humans. Although cellular effects have been observed, to date there is no biological explanation available to describe how ELF-EMF can cause adverse health effects in humans. Also, the human body produces ELF-EMF much stronger than the external fields to which an individual is typically exposed, and what adverse effect the relatively weak ELF-EMF might have on the body with its stronger fields is unknown.
In June of 1992, a panel from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities for the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination completed a review of about 1000 journal articles published in the past 15 years on the subject of ELF-EMF. Its task was to determine: the strength of the evidence that ELF-EMF cause the reported phenomena, the biological basis for potential adverse human health effects, the dose-response relationship between the fields and the effects, the uncertainties in the epidemiological studies, the strengths and limitations of laboratory and theoretical studies, and the adequacy of the existing data upon which to develop quantitative risk assessment.
The panel divided the articles' findings into several areas of interest: diseases in human populations, effects on growth control, epidemiologic studies of cancer, reproductive effects, and neurobehavioral effects. Among the effects the studies examined were: effects on cell growth and proliferation, brain cancer, leukemia, male breast cancer, birth defects, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths, changes in behavior, sensory detection of the field, calcium ion exchange in brain tissue, induced currents in the body, and changes in the secretion of melatonin from the pineal gland (effects on circadian rhythm).
The executive summary of the panel's report states:
"This review indicates that there is no convincing evidence in the published literature to support the contention that exposures to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) generated by sources such as household appliances, video display terminals, and local power lines are demonstrable health hazards."
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board has considered statements, submitted by the Utah Power and Light Company and by certain individuals and groups, in the matter of claimed inimical effects of ELF/EMF on the health of human beings. Further, the Board has considered reviews of the scientific literature and the opinions of mainstream scientific experts in pertinent scientific disciplines.
After reviewing available evidence and scientific opinion, the Board finds that, while there may be indications for further biomedical research on this question, the existing scientific evidence is not sufficient to warrant legislation or regulation at this time.
The Board strongly recommends, however, that the Division of Radiation Control (DRC) establish an efficient program to monitor reputable scientific literature dealing with the biomedical effects of ELF/EMF. Further, the DRC should notify the Board immediately whenever reviewers believe that significant new scientific evidence has been published.
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