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Harmful Effects of Electromagnetic Fields

Electromagnetic fields are present throughout the environment. There are natural sources such as the electric fields produced by thunderstorms and the Earth's own magnetic field. However, there are also many human-generated sources such as the electricity in power sockets to television aerials, electrical equipment, mobile phones and mobile phone base stations. Modern life has seen an increase in exposure to electromagnetic fields, and exposure has been linked to health concerns. It is recognized that electromagnetic fields can change processes within the cell, as demonstrated by Anu Karinen and colleagues in 2008 and published in "BMC Genomics."

  1. Cancer

    • Early studies, including one in 1994 and published in "Reviews on Environmental Health," propose a link between electromagnetism and cancer, especially in children. However, a population-based study published in July 2003 in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" reported that there was no association between exposure to electromagnetic fields and breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has deemed low-frequency electromagnetic fields as a possible human carcinogen, the lowest of three possible categories. Further research is ongoing, and international guidelines have been published on safe exposure levels by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

    Fertility and Pregnancy

    • Electromagnetic fields in animal studies have shown to reduce female and male fertility, according to the Journal of Environmental Science and Health. However, studies in humans have been inconclusive. Epidemiological studies assessing the risk of miscarriage or fetal abnormalities in humans and exposure to electromagnetic fields remain either inconclusive or unsatisfactory.

    Hypersensitivity

    • Some individuals complain that electromagnetic fields can cause debilitating symptoms. These include depression, nausea, headaches, aches and pains and a general feeling of malaise. However, studies have shown that it is difficult to replicate these symptoms in experiments. A review of the literature and published in 2010 in "Bioelectromagnetics" showed that there was no robust evidence to support the theory of hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields.

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