Human Health Effects of Nonionizing Electromagnetic Fields

The present chapter deals with that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that has lower energy and longer wavelengths than the infrared, including the extra low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields from electricity and radiofrequency (RF) fields used in communication. The energies at these frequencies are not sufficient to directly break chemical bonds, and the question to be examined is whether they have sufficient energy to cause human disease by other mechanisms, particularly at intensities that do not cause measurable heating. Present research indicates a consistent pattern of elevated risk of cancer, especially leukemia, and some neurodegenerative diseases at ELF magnetic field levels commonly found in residences and occupations. The relationship between childhood magnetic field exposure and brain cancer is also reviewed. Human studies and meta-analyses of research of mobile phone use show a consistent and elevated risk of brain cancer and acoustic neuroma upon intense and long-term use. International and national standards of human exposure to ELF and RF frequencies are presented and found to be inadequate for the protection of human health. The evidence of human harm from excessive exposure to both ELF and RF is stronger and more consistent for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases than is commonly recognized. While there is less strong reproducibility and consistency for some other proposed health outcomes, this indicates only the need for more research with better exposure assessment. Keywords: Leukemia; brain cancer; acoustic neuroma; Alzheimer's disease; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; electromagnetic fields (EMFs); mutations; radiofrequency; Universal Mobile Telecommunications System