Epidemiology Of Electromagnetic Fields

Appeals to a Wide Audience Fueled by more than 30 years of intensive research and debate on the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on everyday life—starting with residential exposure to magnetic fields and the development of childhood cancer in the 70s and continuing with risk of exposure via wireless communications in present day—Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields addresses ongoing public and scientific controversy surrounding the possible effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to human health, and provides an in-depth introduction into the methodology of environmental epidemiology that is appropriate for all levels, from student to practicing engineer. Exposure to EMF Focusing primarily on EMF examples, the author presents the general principles and methodological concepts in environmental epidemiology. Topics of importance in the first part of the book include epidemiological study designs, exposure assessment methods and implications for the study results, as well as selection bias, confounding, and other biases including reverse causality and ecological fallacy. The second part of the book covers environmental epidemiological methods in detail and outlines key examples such as childhood leukemia and exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, as well as examples that look at brain tumors and mobile phone use. The book also offers a detailed discussion on the range of EMF sources and exposures. In addition, it highlights the sophisticated assessment methods required to address exposure situations, and provides a historical perspective. The third part of the book examines how EMF exposure from the use of wireless communication techniques and other challenges affect risk assessment today and also details future developments. Explores environmental epidemiological methods in detail, while critically discussing epidemiological findings Provides a state-of-the-art overview of the scientific evidence of the health effects of EMF Considers how novelty, the steep increase of radiofrequency (RF) EMF exposure from wireless communications, and other challenges affect risk assessment today Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields provides a thorough overview of the subject, and evaluates the scientific evidence surrounding the possible health effects of EMFs.

Public concern over possible health effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) has led to the preparation of this handbook. Potential risks of EMF exposure from facilities such as power lines or mobile phone base stations present a difficult set of challenges for decision-makers. The challenges include determining if there is a hazard from EMF exposure and what the potential health impact is. Responding to these challenges requires the involvement of individuals or organizations with the right set of competencies combining relevant scientific expertise strong communication skills and good judgement in the management and regulatory areas. This handbook is intended to support decision-makers faced with a combination of public controversy scientific uncertainty and the need to operate existing facilities and/or the requirement to site new facilities appropriately. Its goal is to improve the decision-making process by reducing misunderstandings and improving trust through better dialogue. The guide may assist the general public when interacting with government agencies that regulate environmental health and with companies whose facilities may be sources of concern. References and suggestions for further reading are included.

The possible health effects of electro-magnetic (EMF) from high-voltage electric power lines have been discussed sine the 1970s. The concern was triggered by epidemilogical studies in the United States and Europe that suggested a slightly increased incidence of leukaemia's and brain tumours occured among those living and working near high-voltage power lines. Although studies can indicate an associate between factor and effect, the studies themselves cannot confirm a cause-effect relationship. Whether EMF is producing these ill effects must be confirmed by experimental studies.

Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? This volume assesses the data and draws conclusions about the consequences of human exposure to EMF. The committee examines what is known about three kinds of health effects associated with EMF: cancer, primarily childhood leukemia; reproduction and development; and neurobiological effects. This book provides a detailed discussion of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization for each. Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields also discusses the tools available to measure exposure, common types of exposures, and what is known about the effects of exposure. The committee looks at correlations between EMF exposure and carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, neurobehavioral effects, reproductive and developmental effects, effects on melatonin and other neurochemicals, and effects on bone healing and stimulated cell growth.

This reference explores the sources, characteristics, bioeffects, and health hazards of extremely low-frequency (ELF) fields and radio frequency radiation (RFR), analyzing current research as well as the latest epidemiological studies to assess potential risks associated with exposure and to develop effective safety guidelines. Compiles reports and investigations from four decades of study on the effect of nonionizing electromagnetic fields and radiation on human health Summarizing modern engineering approaches to control exposure, Electromagnetic Fields and Radiation discusses: EM interaction mechanisms in biological systems Explorations into the impact of EM fields on free radicals, cells, tissues, organs, whole organisms, and the population Regulatory standards in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia Pacific Evaluation of incident fields from various EM sources Measurement surveys for various sites including power lines, substations, mobile systems, cellular base stations, broadcast antennas, traffic radar devices, heating equipment, and other sources Dosimetry techniques for the determination of internal EM fields Conclusions reached by the Food and Drug Administration, World Health Organization, and other institutions