Electromagnetic fields and environmental health

Invisible electromagnetic fields (EMFs) permeate the modern living environment. They emanate from sources such as electric power lines, home appliances, medical devices, mobile phones and their base stations. Microwave power transmission, a near-future technology that could soon be in practical use, may become a major producer of EMFs. Therefore, electromagnetic environments, including static magnetic fields and low- and high-frequency EMFs, are likely to increase worldwide. In late May 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a subagency of the World Health Organization (WHO), met to evaluate the carcinogenicity of radiofrequency (RF) EMFs from mobile phones. This meeting1 provided a good opportunity for deliberation on the effects of EMFs on human health and to consider future approaches to this issue. The report conclusions, outlined in this paper, suggest there is limited evidence for the carcinogenic effect of RF-EMFs, resulting in RF-EMFs being classified as possibly carcinogenic, but that more studies are necessary to draw quantitative conclusions

Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 336)

This bibliography lists 111 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information System during April 1990. Subject coverage includes: aerospace medicine and psychology, life support systems and controlled environments, safety equipment, exobiology and extraterrestrial life, and flight crew behavior and performance

Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Electrical Substations and Residential Areas of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Published ThesisSince the beginning of the twenty first century electricity has become an integral part of every human‟s life. Without electricity some of the human activities on planet earth would have never been brought into existence and some of them will not be possible (Fews, 1999). Electricity is supplied to old and current technology apparatus such as computers, different types of machinery, laboratory and medical devices, household appliances, automobiles, and treatment plant equipment. Electricity moves from power generation plants (power stations) in a form of high voltage to urban and rural electrical substations where it will be converted into low voltage to suit residential electrical processes (Ilonen, 2008). According to Kaune (1993), high voltage electricity moves through overhead and underground power lines and it is converted into low voltage once it reaches electrical distribution substations in the residential areas. Furthermore, electrical substations serve many functions, such as controlling, collecting and transferring power on electrical systems (Kaune, 1993). Along the transportation and conversion of voltages, the two invisible fields known as magnetic and electric fields are produced (Kovetz, 2000). Both magnetic and electric fields are produced by movement of charged and stationary electrical particles as described in the Maxwell‟s equation (Lee, 1996). These fields are expressed in hertz (Hz) and can be classified as very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), extremely low frequency (ELF) and high frequency fields (HFF) (Brent, 1999). Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are fields with frequency that ranges between 3 to 3000 Hz and they are usually formed when the electrical current flows (World Health Organisation, 2007). According to Sinatra (2002), once there is higher current flow during conversion or transmission, high voltages are produced as a result of increased magnetic field flux. High voltages are mainly used when transferring power over long distances from generation plants to final distribution substations (Portier and Wolfe, 1998). When electricity is being transferred and has reached distribution substations, the intensity of the electric and magnetic fields changes. Lacy-Hulbert, Metcalfe and Hesketh (1998) indicated that an intensity of electric fields created is determined by the amount of voltages transferred and the flow of current determines the magnitude of magnetic fields that will be produced. The force of both magnetic and electric fields is induced by different substation devices which include wirings, cables and installations. According to the National Institute for Environmental Health (NIEH) (2002), most substations use alternating current (AC) in distributing and converting current, which produces magnetic and electric fields at various magnitude levels. The level of exposure to magnetic fields is determined by the distance between the source and the receiver (Portier and Wolfe, 1998). According to Loomis and Savitz (1995), individuals in close proximity to distribution substations are more likely to be exposed to high levels of magnetic fields than those residing far from them. Individuals exposed to magnetic fields are likely to develop detrimental health effects, such as childhood leukaemia. However there is still controversy on this matter (Draper, 2005)

Genotoxicity by Electromagnetic Fields

Modern life implies a constant exposure of living organisms to many sources of radiation, especially electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by our technological devices. The question of whether or not EMFs in the non-ionizing extremely low frequency (ELF) range can induce genotoxic effects is currently a subject of interest. People of industrialized societies are commonly exposed to EMFs and waves in a very broad range of frequencies, including power lines, telecommunications, and domestic and industrial equipment. In this review, we present controversial evidence from our research group and others of genotoxicity induced by ELF-EMFs, since scientific community consider EMF devices produce marginal amounts of energy, which does not justify any DNA alterations, together with conflicting laboratory results and few epidemiological studies. However, in 2002 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized ELF-EMFs as being potential carcinogenic and genotoxic agents to humans. The aim of the present chapter is to discuss the role of ELM-EMFs on human genotoxicity

Proceedings of the Scientific Workshop on the Health Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields on Workers

"Participants in this workshop discussed various aspects of the health effects of worker exposure to electric and magnetic fields. Specific topics discussed included low frequency electromagnetic fields, biological effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, health effects of exposures, occupational exposure assessment for electric and magnetic fields in the 10 to 1000 hertz frequency range, and magnetic field management. Research recommendations from workshop panels concerning in-vitro/cellular mechanism studies, epidemiologic studies, exposure assessments, and methods for reducing exposures were provided." - NIOSHTIC-2Held Jan. 30-31, 1991, Cincinnati, Ohio.Also available via the World Wide Web.Includes bibliographical references

Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in the heavy engineering CO2 welding industry in the Mangaung Metropolitan municipality

Thesis (D. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013Some epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may be linked with the development of adverse health effects. However there is still controversy on this matter. Due to rapid technological growth in the modern society, employees in the welding and electrical industries are highly exposed to electromagnetic fields and may be at a high risk for developing occupational diseases. The health effects which may result from exposure to electromagnetic fields are related to the strength and frequency of the fields. This study was conducted to (i) assess the exposure levels to EMFs in the welding industry, (ii) determine the possible health risks associated with exposure levels, and (iii) develop a health and safety model to guide the industry on how to reduce exposure to EMFs. The study was conducted in one mega welding company in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Welders, fitters and office workers (88 in total) gave consent to participate in the study and completed questionnaires (ethical clearance attached). Measurements of extremely low frequency EMFs were taken in workshop A, workshop B and working offices. Measurements for magnetic fields were taken at distances of 1, 2 and 3 meters (m) from the EMFs sources. The exposure levels of magnetic fields were very high in the workshops, with welders and fitters exposed to about 7.6 microtesla (μT). Electric fields were relatively low in all workstations. Participants in the study were experiencing symptoms of ill health such as headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue and distress. The symptoms reported by the workers were similar in the both groups (exposed and control). There is no clear relationship between recorded exposure levels and the development of the reported symptoms. The health and safety model was developed to guide the industry to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields. The model describes the implementation of engineering and administrative control measures in an effort to reduce exposure to EMFs. The model also highlights the importance of wearing personal protective equipment to shield against EMFs amongst others. This study suggests that occupational exposure to high levels of extremely low frequency EMFs may increase the risk for development of chronic diseases such as leukaemia, brain and breast cancer and other diseases among highly exposed employees. Implementation of safety measures is necessary to reduce exposure to EMFs

Instrumentation for Biological Research, Volume I, Sections 1 to 3 Final Report, Nov. 9, 1964 - Mar. 31, 1966

Bioinstrumentation for controlling and measuring parameters interacting with biological syste