Alleged health effects of electromagnetic fields: misconceptions in the scientific literature

Occupational or residential exposures to electromagnetic fields or microwaves have been alleged to result in health problems, including leukemia, other cancers, and reproductive mishaps. Several recent articles and editorials in the medical and scientific literature have presented misconceptions regarding the alleged effects. Some misleading or illogical statements were challenged in letters-to-the-editor. Additional unsubstantiated or invalid assertions contained in subsequent responses to some of the letters have been addressed in this paper. The articles in question included a case report concerning acute myelogenous leukemia, an editorial regarding the safety of magnetic resonance imaging, commentaries suggesting a link between exposure to video display terminals and reproductive mishaps, and several reviews of a book written for a lay audience.