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Health Effects of Magnetic Fields

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from transformers, power lines, home electrical wiring and equipment and other sources could contribute to a wide variety of health problems. Although environmental groups and alternative health practitioners continue to warn people about the dangers of EMFs, research on the topic yields contradictory conclusions. Since specific studies target different population groups, different diseases and different EMF sources, sifting the results remains a challenge.

  1. Childhood Cancers

    • As early as 1979, researchers investigated a possible connection between the major childhood cancers, leukemia and brain tumors, and proximity to power lines. More than 20 years later, experts still disagree about the dangers. The National Cancer Institute's web page on EMFs points out that study bias may have affected researchers who concluded there is a link between childhood cancers and EMFs.

    Cancer in Adults

    • Researchers in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated higher percentages of cancer among those working in occupations with high exposure to EMFs. Again, more recent studies fail to verify those results. One Norwegian study traced a link between breast cancer and electric blankets.

    Eye Problems

    • Workers exposed to high levels of these fields experience higher incidences of cataracts and other visual health issues. To date, animal studies fail to show that EMFs cause vision problems.

    Other Health Concerns

    • Anecdotal reports attribute a host of health problems to EMF exposure: fibromyalgia, lowered libido, headaches, nausea, depression and anxiety. None of these connections have been scientifically verified. Currently, the EPA recommends that people limit time spent close to EMFs and increase their distance from sources emitting high levels of these fields.

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