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Extremely low frequency electric fields and cancer: assessing the evidence
Leeka Kheifets1, David Renew, Glenn Sias
1Department of Epidemiology, UCLA School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA. kheifets@ucla.edu
Bioelectromagnetics
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Research on extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields has been limited. This review finds little evidence to support adverse health effects from electric fields, suggesting reduced focus on this area.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Electromagnetic Field Exposure
- Public Health
Background:
- Extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) research often prioritizes magnetic fields.
- Some researchers advocate for increased focus on electric fields in epidemiological and laboratory studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review electric-field literature.
- To compare the evidence strength for electric versus magnetic fields.
- To assess the basis for continued research into electric fields.
Main Methods:
- Systematic and critical review of existing electric-field literature.
- Comparison of evidence for electric field effects against magnetic field effects.
- Evaluation of laboratory and epidemiological study findings.
Main Results:
- Few laboratory studies exist, and they do not identify electric fields as a primary exposure of interest.
- Residential electric-field exposure studies do not support adverse health effects.
- Occupational studies on high electric field exposures show inconsistent and methodologically flawed cancer increase reports.
Conclusions:
- There is little scientific basis to suggest a risk from electric fields.
- Except for potential occupational epidemiology, continued research into electric fields appears unwarranted compared to magnetic fields.
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