Extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields and risk of human cancer. Ad Hoc Working Group

The reported association between the risk of human cancer and exposure to 50- or 60-Hz electric and magnetic fields is difficult to evaluate from studies published to date. The association is now being reexamined in several large epidemiologic studies. In most of the studies, exposure will be assessed with newly designed, portable meters that allow direct and precise measurements of exposure to be performed easily for large numbers of individuals. The main features of the studies are summarized. At a meeting of principal investigators held in 1988 at the International Agency for Research on Cancer, broad guidelines were agreed for the design of this new generation of studies. These guidelines should improve the comparability of results and eventually provide a clearer assessment of human-cancer risk from exposure to extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields.