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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Responding to the potential health effects of electric and magnetic fields

Journal Article · · Resources; (United States)
OSTI ID:6706153
Some epidemiological evidence suggests that the electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by electric power, telecommunication, radar, and other electric and electronic systems might be harmful to health. Although federal authorities have not found this evidence compelling enough to regulate exposure to EMFs, public conerns have prompted political, legal, and market responses to the specter of EMF-induced health hazards. The economic impact of these responses probably exceeds $1 billion per year. Less certain is whether the health risk posed by EMFs warrants such a cost. Unfortunately, research to assess this risk may prove difficult because EMF bioeffects may be both subtle and unrelated to easily measurable aspects of exposure. This increases the importance of promoting fairness in the processes by which risks of exposure to EMFs are distributed across society.
OSTI ID:
6706153
Journal Information:
Resources; (United States), Journal Name: Resources; (United States) Vol. 109; ISSN 0048-7376; ISSN RESUBS
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English