Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) produced by power lines,
transformers, appliances and radio frequency-RF sources (i.e., microwave
ovens, cellular
phones, AM/FM/TV transmitters, radars,etc.) are a topic of conversation
and concern. During the last 15 years various scientific electromagnetic
field studies in the United States (Wertheimer & Leeper '79 to Savitz
'95) and in Sweden (Feychting & Ahlbom '92) have demonstrated a statistically
significant association between electromagnetic fields from power lines
and certain types of cancers in both children and adults. UPDATE June
24, 1998: An international panel of experts convened by the National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reported that extremely
low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields should be regarded as
a "possible human carcinogen." Furthermore, the epidemiological
studies showed a slight increase in childhood leukemia risk from powerline/residential
exposure and an increase in chronic leukemia risk in adults in electricity-intensive
industries. The National Energy Policy Act of 1992 authorized the Department
of Energy to jointly fund with the Utility Industry a $65 million five-year
research program to ascertain the effects of electromagnetic field power
line exposure on human health and provide public information. A final
report will be submitted to Congress this year. In 1995 a draft report
from the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)
proposed a 10 mG exposure limit in homes, schools and offices. "A
considerable body of observations has documented bioeffects from isolated
cells to animals, and in man," the report stated. Obtaining accurate and detailed information about electromagnetic
fields is very important for:
Architects, Land & Commercial Developers
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Building, Electrical & Insurance Inspectors
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Commercial Building Owners & Property Managers
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Corporate & Residential Tenants
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Directors, Principals & Deans - day care centers, schools & universities
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Engineers - environmental, electrical, building & construction
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Industrial Hygienists & Public/Corporate Health & Safety
Directors
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New Home Buyers & Home Owners
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Real Estate Agents, Brokers & Mortgage Officers
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