Containing the costs of the EMF problem

Journal Article · Fri Jul 24 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1636078· OSTI ID:7004416

Florig, H K ^[1]

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1. Resources for the Future, Washington, DC (United States)

The uncertainty surrounding possible health effects of power-frequency electric and magnetic fields (EMF's) is fueling a costly controversy over the safety of high voltage transmission lines, neighborhood power-distribution circuits, home and office wiring, elelctrical appliances, and office equipment. Mounting public concerns are driven primarily by a number of epidemiological studies that show increased risks of cancer among populations thought to experience unusual patterns of EMF exposure. Because the scientific evidence on EMF bioeffects is both complicated and contradictory, regulatory bodies and scientific standard-setting organizations have been unable to reach consensus on prescriptive approaches to EMF risk management. Although scientific opinion varies widely about whether the EMF-cancer connection is real, public apprehension over potential EMF hazards has prompted a host of political, legal, and market reactions.

• OSTI ID: 7004416
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 257:5069; ISSN SCIEA; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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