See also more information on ICNIRP's 2009 draft guidelines for consultation and specifically the actual numerical values proposed. On this page we summarise ICNIRP's conclusions on possible chronic effects.
Hypersensitivity
"Some people claim to be hypersensitive to EMFs in general. However, the evidence from double-blind provocation studies suggests that the reported symptoms are unrelated to EMF exposure."
Neuroendocrine system
(ie hormones including melatonin)
"Overall, these data do not indicate that ELF electric and/or magnetic fields affect the neuroendocrine system in a way that would have an adverse impact on human health."
Neurodegenerative disorders
"The studies investigating the association between ELF exposure and Alzheimer's disease are inconsistent. Overall, the evidence for the association between ELF exposure and Alzheimer's disease and ALS is weak."
Cardiovascular disorders
"Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no association between ELF exposure and cardiovascular disease."
Reproduction and development
"Overall, the evidence for an association between ELF and developmental and reproductive effects is very weak."
Cancer
"A considerable number of epidemiological reports, carried out particularly during the 1980s and 90s, indicated that long term exposure to ELF magnetic fields, orders of magnitude below the limits of the current guidelines might be associated with adverse health effects. While the first studies looked at childhood cancer in relation to magnetic fields, later research also investigated different adult cancers. In general, the initially observed associations between ELF magnetic fields and various cancers were not consistently confirmed in studies designed to see whether the initial findings could be replicated. However, for childhood leukemia the situation is different. Research that followed the first study has suggested that there may be an association between residential ELF magnetic fields and childhood leukemia risk, although it cannot be excluded that a combination of selection bias, some degree of confounding and chance could explain the results."
"It is the view of ICNIRP that the currently existing scientific evidence that ELF magnetic fields is causally associated with childhood leukemia is too weak to form the basis for exposure guidelines."
