The science
The scientific evidence
EMFs definitely have some effects on us as humans – but at
high field levels, bigger than we usually meet in the environment.
These established effects include:
These effects are well understood and there are exposure
guidelines in place to protect against these effects.
There are other concerns about EMFs. Over the past 20 years, some
scientists have linked exposure to everyday levels of EMFs with
various health problems, ranging from headaches to Alzheimer's disease.
The most persistent of these suggestions relates to childhood leukaemia.
But the evidence is not straightforward.
- A number of epidemiological studies, particularly in the US
and in Scandinavia, have suggested an association between the
incidence of childhood leukaemia and EMFs or the proximity of
homes to power lines.
- Not every study has found the same association, but taken as
a whole, the epidemiological studies certainly show a statistical
association
- Because of problems inherent in epidemiology, finding an association
does not mean there is a risk.
- No causal link has been established between cancer (or any
other disease) and EMFs and there is no established mechanism
by which these fields could cause or promote disease.
Nonetheless, the possibility remains that EMFs are a cause of disease,
and in these pages we summarise:
See the expert view for the conclusions
of different national and international review bodies on the science
and the authoritative view from the UK and Europe.
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