EMF and the public health
- Krieger & Associates, Washington, DC (United States)
- Shroeter, Goldmark & Bender, Seattle, WA (United States)
The availability of reasonably priced electric power underpins the American standard of living, the nation`s industrial strength, and even our creature comforts. Utility experts estimate that by the end of this century electric utility infrastructure such as transmission lines, distribution lines, substations, and the like will expand by as much as 15 percent to serve increased customer demands for power. The electric utility industry today, however, is faced with an unanticipated consequence of its own success as health questions have been raised regarding electric and magnetic fields (EMF or EMR). These fields are created whenever electric current passes through power lines or electrical equipment. While people are exposed to EMF from electrical appliances, household wiring, and even household water pipes to which the home electrical system has been grounded, most of the attention has centered on high-voltage transmission lines and, to a lesser extent, neighborhood distribution lines. The scientific debate has been fueled by epidemiological studies. Epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution of diseases in the human population, is useful in identifying statistical associations that may reflect a causal relationship between an exposure and a disease. Some EMF epidemiological studies have reported positive statistical associations between residential and occupational exposures to EMF and certain childhood and adult cancers, including leukemia, brain cancer, lymphoma, and breast cancer. While scientists debate the meaning of these studies and conduct further studies, the debate is now moving into America`s courtrooms as private litigants seek compensation for physical harm and damage to property values.
- OSTI ID:
- 79163
- Journal Information:
- Natural Resources and Environment, Vol. 9, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Sum 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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