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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer: the epidemiologic evidence
1Department of Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from alternating current may cause cancer, particularly brain and central nervous system cancers in electrical workers and children. Further research is needed to clarify residential exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in modern society.
- Concerns exist regarding potential health risks, including cancer, associated with EMF exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the epidemiologic evidence linking low-frequency EMFs to cancer.
- To assess the strength and consistency of evidence for carcinogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of epidemiologic studies on residential EMF exposures in children and adults.
- Review of studies on electrical and electronics workers.
- Application of established epidemiologic criteria for inferring causality.
Main Results:
- Evidence strongly suggests that low-frequency EMFs are carcinogenic.
- Strongest evidence links EMFs to brain and central nervous system cancers in electrical workers and children.
- Weaker evidence suggests associations with leukemia and melanoma in electrical workers.
Conclusions:
- The evidence for EMFs being carcinogenic is strongly suggestive.
- Exposure misclassification in residential studies may explain inconsistent findings.
- Further research with improved exposure assessment is warranted.