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The Harmful Effects of Magnetic Fields

The ever-growing demand for electricity and modern forms of communication have led to man's increased exposure to electromagnetic fields, heightening fears that the magnetic fields produced by pylons, cell phone masts and everyday technology used in and around the home could be harmful to long-term health.

  1. Effects

    • Low-level fields can have an effect on electromagnetic currents circulating naturally in the body. If the intensity of the field is sufficiently large these currents can stimulate normal human biological processes. It is not in dispute that electromagnetic fields above certain levels can cause biological effects. The key area of dispute and debate is over whether long-term, low-level exposure can influence the long-term well-being of humans.

    Sources

    • Public fears about the effect of magnetic fields have led to news headlines about sources of electromagnetism. Power cables, televisions, computer screens, radars and mobile phones and their base stations, and microwave ovens have all been identified as sources of magnetism, which itself has been linked to a range of harmful effects. These include depression, complications with pregnancy, headaches, sickness and tiredness.

    Study

    • A Washington University study published in Environmental Health Perspectives journal in 2004 found that even exposure to low-level magnetic fields could be harmful. Researchers found that rats exposed to even weak magnetic fields suffered an increase in brain cell apoptosis -- a process in which the cell self-destructs. The study led researchers to conclude that prolonged exposure to everyday devices, such as hairdryers, that gave off low-level magnetic fields had the potential to damage human brain cells.

    Health Care

    • Magnetic fields have increasingly become used in everyday health care across the world. Magnetic resonance imaging scanners are used to create a three-dimensional picture of a patient's body to help diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. These procedures are safe with few temporary side effects.

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