EMFs: cutting through the controversy.

Abstract

SOME SCIENTISTS ALLEGE that exposure to electric and magnetic fields generated by electric power delivery systems is responsible for certain cancers (particularly among children), reproductive dysfunction, birth defects, neurological disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Some activist groups believe the hazard to be so great that they are calling for closure of schools and other public facilities near power lines and restructuring of the entire electric power delivery system. Some utilities, with equally strong beliefs, claim that there is no proof of risk. They argue that the science is sufficient to confirm the alleged associations and that no action is warranted. This article provides a broad overview of the current scientific data on the association between magnetic fields and disease, providing summary risk estimates and highlighting the uncertainties in the data. Building on this information, three complementary policy perspectives are presented. From a fiscally conservative perspective, the cost of mitigation already instituted far exceeds the health protection offered and mitigation of other environmental risks is more important. From a cost-benefit view, only limited, low-cost mitigation should be considered. These measures, however, would substantially reduce many exposures. From an aggressive exposure reduction perspective, much can be done to reduce exposure by personal and societal actions. If the suggested association is validated, substantially reducing magnetic field exposure could lower health risks.