Emerging issues in extremely-low-frequency electric and magnetic field health research

Concern has increased over potential consequences of exposure to electric and magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (0-100 Hz), particularly from power transmission and distribution. Also at issue are electrical environments in homes and workplaces. Until recently, research focused on the electric, rather than the magnetic, field; now, both are under extensive investigation. A review of research to date indicates the following: Electric and magnetic fields can produce effects in vitro, with the locus of field interaction believed to be at the cell membrane. Chronic in vivo electric field exposure fails to produce effects except in behavior, neurophysiology, endocrinology, and, possibly, fetal development. The extrapolation of these animal data to humans requires further research. The epidemiological literature has, in some cases, reported an association between increased cancer rates and putative field exposure. Exposure assessments indicate that, in all likelihood, human exposures to 60-Hz electric fields of the magnitudes found under transmission lines are very infrequent; assessments are continuing to characterize exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields and to measure the field frequency spectra found in residential and workplace settings. The public health issues emerging from this research focus on fetal development and on the initiation or promotion of cancer. It is critical to reduce existing uncertainties in order to enable valid risk assessment.