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<table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><a name="0"></a><table width="100%" border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="5"><tr><td><h2>Scientific Facts on Electromagnetic Fields</h2><ol>
<li><a href="#1">Introduction to electromagnetic fields</a></li>
<li><a href="#2">What are the sources of exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields?</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Can mobile phones cause cancer? </a></li>
<li><a href="#4">Can mobile phones or base stations trigger headaches or other health effects?</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Conclusions on mobile phones and radio frequency fields</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Intermediate frequency fields like those from computer screens and anti theft devices</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Extremely low frequency fields like those from power lines and household appliances</a></li>
<li><a href="#8">Static magnetic fields like those used in medical imaging</a></li>
<li><a href="#9">What is known about environmental effects of electromagnetic fields? </a></li>
<li><a href="#10">What comments were expressed on the findings of this assessment?</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Conclusions on electromagnetic fields</a></li>
</ol>
The answers to these questions are faithful summaries of a report by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks and have been written by <a href="http://www.greenfacts.org/en/" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">GreenFacts</a></td></tr></table></td></tr>
<tr><td align="left"><a name="1"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>1. Introduction to electromagnetic fields</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						
							
							<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/frequency-thumb.jpg" alt="Frequency ranges of electromagnetic fields "> Frequency ranges of electromagnetic fields
					</div>
					
						Electromagnetic fields are a
							combination of invisible electric and
								magnetic fields of force. They
							are generated by natural phenomena, but also by human activities, mainly
							through the use of electricity.
					
					
						Most man-made electromagnetic
							fields reverse their direction with time at a specific
									frequency, ranging
							from high radio frequencies (RF) – such as used by
							mobile phones – through intermediate frequencies (IF) –
							such as generated by computer screens – to extremely low
								frequencies (ELF) – such as generated by power
						lines.
					
					
						The term static refers to fields that do not vary
							with time. Static magnetic fields
							are used in medical imaging and generated by appliances using
									direct current. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/1-electromagnetic-fields.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Exposure to electromagnetic
							fields triggers immediate biological effects if they are strong
							enough. Effects range from stimulation of nerves and muscles to heating
							of the body tissues, depending on
							the frequency. Exposure guidelines have been established to protect
							against these effects. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/1-electromagnetic-fields.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="2"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>2. What are the sources of exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields?</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/wifi-router.jpg" alt="Local wireless computer networks generate radio fields"> Local wireless computer networks generate radio
						fields Credit: Ramzi Mashisho </div>
					
						Radio frequency (RF) fields have many applications in modern
							communications. Familiar sources include mobile phones, cordless phones,
							local wireless networks and radio transmission towers. Medical scanners,
							radar systems and microwave ovens also use radio frequency fields. Radio
							frequencies range from 100 kHz to 300
							GHz. 
					
					
						When exposed to radio frequency fields, the body absorbs energy over
							time. How much radio frequency energy an individual absorbs every day is
							not obvious as the exposure depends on many factors, especially distance
							from the various sources. Field strength falls rapidly with distance,
							meaning a person may absorb more energy from a device used at close
							quarters – a handheld mobile phone, for example – than from a more
							powerful source, like a radio transmission tower, that is farther away.
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/2-exposure-radio-fields.htm#0" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Europe has set safety limits on exposure to radio frequency fields.
							For handheld mobile phones, these limits are given in terms of the
							energy absorbed by the head, the part of the body most exposed during
							use. Other wireless devices used in close quarters, like cordless phones
							and wireless computer networks, also generate radio waves but exposure
							from these sources is generally lower than from mobile phones. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/2-exposure-radio-fields.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Mobile phone base
								stations and radio transmission
							towers are structures designed to support antennas that
							transmit radio signals. Because the field strength decreases rapidly
							with distance, most people are exposed to only a fraction of the maximum
							recommended. People who live or work near transmission towers are most
							exposed because that is where the fields are strongest. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/2-exposure-radio-fields.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						In medicine, strong radio frequency fields are used to heat body
									tissue, which can ease pain
							or kill cancer
							cells. Such fields are also used to
							produce images of the brain and other body parts by
								magnetic resonance imaging
									(MRI). Exposure of patients
							or medical staff could exceed the usual safety limits. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/2-exposure-radio-fields.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="3"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>3. Can mobile phones cause cancer? </h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/44.jpg" alt="More than 2 billion people use mobile phones worldwide"> More than 2 billion people use mobile phones
						worldwide Credit: Juha Blomberg </div>
					
						In recent years many studies have investigated whether mobile phones
							and radio frequency (RF) fields in general could cause
									cancer.
								Epidemiological studies on
							mobile phone users have focused on
							cancers originating in the head,
							especially brain tumours. Overall,
							research indicates that mobile phone use does not increase the risk of
							cancer, especially when used less than 10 years. More research is needed
							before a risk can be ruled out for use beyond 10 years. 
					
					
						Some studies have raised concern of a link between mobile phone use
							and benign tumours of the auditory
							nerve, which is responsible for balance and hearing. People who have
							been using mobile phones for less than 10 years do not appear to have a
							higher risk of this benign tumour
									(acoustic neuroma). But
							there is some evidence of a risk beyond 10 years, and more study is
							needed. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/3-mobile-phones-cancer.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Animal studies have provided no consistent evidence
							on whether radio frequency fields could induce
								cancer, enhance the effects of
							cancer-causing substances, or accelerate the development of
									tumours. But most of these
							studies involved relatively low exposure, calling for more research.
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/3-mobile-phones-cancer.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						In recent years, research on how radio-frequency energy affects
									cells has expanded to
							include more kinds of cell
							cultures. Overall such studies show little evidence of
							health-relevant effects when exposure is below existing safety
							guidelines. But some studies suggest effects on
								DNA at exposure levels close to
							guidelines. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/3-mobile-phones-cancer.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="4"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>4. Can mobile phones or base stations trigger headaches or other health effects?</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/base-station.jpg" alt="Mobile phone base station"> Mobile phone base station Credit: Pyb </div>
					
						Some people attribute headaches, fatigue and dizziness to radio
							frequency (RF) fields. Such complaints have raised concern that certain
							individuals may be more sensitive than others to electromagnetic energy.
						
					
					
						Present knowledge suggests that these symptoms are not linked to
							exposure to radio frequency fields, but few studies have addressed this
							issue directly. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/4-phones-headaches-health.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Because mobile phones are used near the head, there have been concerns
							they could affect the brain. 
					
					
						Minor changes in the brain functions of people exposed to radio
							frequency fields have been observed in some studies but not in others.
							Suspicions that radio frequency fields could affect memory and learning
							have not been confirmed.
					
					
						Conflicting results were reported on whether low levels of radio
							frequency fields increase the permeability of the barrier that keeps
							harmful substances from reaching the brain (blood-brain barrier).
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/4-phones-headaches-health.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Research on female health workers exposed while on the job revealed no
							harmful effect on pregnancies. 
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						Few studies have addressed the possible effects of mobile phones on
							children, despite concern that children could be more
									vulnerable than adults and
							will get more exposure over their lifetimes. One area for investigation
							would be whether radio frequency fields can cause childhood brain
									tumours. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/4-phones-headaches-health.htm#4" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="5"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>5. Conclusions on mobile phones and radio frequency fields</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/children-phone.jpg" alt="Few studies have looked at effects on children"> Few studies have looked at effects on children</div>
					
						Extensive research has been conducted in recent years on how radio
							frequency fields, including those generated by mobile phones, might
							affect health. A variety of possible effects has been studied, both
							inside the laboratory and among human populations. 
					
					
						No health effect has been consistently demonstrated at exposure levels
							below existing guidelines for the general public. Some studies suggest
							an increased number of cases of benign
								tumours of the auditory nerve
									(acoustic neuroma) could
							be linked to long-term mobile phone use, but overall results are not
							conclusive at the present time.
					
					
						Research indicates that a person who has used a mobile phone for up to
							10 years does not have a higher risk of brain
								tumours or other
									cancers in the skull. This
							also appears to be the case for someone who has used a mobile phone for
							more than 10 years, but more study is needed. 
					
					
						Research has found no evidence that exposure to radio frequency fields
							at levels below existing safety guidelines could cause symptoms like
							headaches and dizziness.
					
					
						Few studies have looked at possible health effects on children,
							despite the growing popularity of mobile phones among the young and
							concern that children might be more
								vulnerable because of their
							still developing nervous system.
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/5-conclusions-mobile-phones.htm#0" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="6"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>6. Intermediate frequency fields like those from computer screens and anti theft devices</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/children-computer.jpg" alt="Cathode ray tube screens generate intermediate frequency
							fields"> Cathode ray tube screens generate intermediate frequency
						fields Credit: Anissa Thompson </div>
					
						In this assessment, “intermediate” refers to frequencies ranging
									from 300 Hz to 100 kHz.
							These are lower than radio frequencies and higher than extremely low
							frequencies. 
					
					
						Technologies generating intermediate frequency fields have increased
							in recent years and include some anti-theft devices, induction
							hotplates, cathode ray tube screens and radio transmitters. Intermediate
							fields are also used by medical devices, and are generated by industrial
							processes such as welding. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/6-intermediate-fields.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Well-known biological effects in the intermediate frequency range are
							nerve stimulation at the lower end of the range and heating at the upper
							end of the range. Few data are available on the exposure of individuals
							to intermediate frequency fields and on possible health effects. The few
							studies conducted have focused on potential effects on the eyes, the
									cardiovascular system,
									cancer, and reproduction.
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/6-intermediate-fields.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Long-term studies on human populations are needed to evaluate the
							risks to human health and to confirm that the current recommended limits
							on exposure are adequate. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/6-intermediate-fields.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="7"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>7. Extremely low frequency fields like those from power lines and household appliances</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/6.jpg" alt="Digest on Power Lines"> 
		
						See also our Digest on Power Lines
					</div>
					
						Extremely low frequencies (ELF) are those
								below 300 Hz. Such fields are
							for instance generated by alternating
								current (AC), the type of electricity used in most power
							lines, wiring and appliances. Other important sources of extremely low
							frequency fields are power plants, welding machines, induction heaters
							as well as trains, trams and subway systems.
					
					
						Extremely low frequency fields have electric and magnetic components.
							ELF 
								electric fields
							 are particularly strong close to high voltage power lines, and
							ELF magnetic fields are particularly strong near
							induction furnaces and welding machines. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/7-power-lines-elf.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						In the areas that are accessible to the public, exposure to extremely
							low frequency fields is below the set limits. When people pass directly
							below a high voltage power line, their level of
							exposure to such fields is relatively high though still below safety
							limits. Low voltage power lines cause much lower exposure, and buried
							cables virtually none. At home, fields are strongest very near electric
							appliances such as vacuum cleaners.
					
					
						Workers in the electric power industry and welders
							can be exposed to high levels of
								electromagnetic fields, and
							adequate safety measures are needed. Some medical
							applications also make use of extremely low frequency fields,
							for instance to stimulate bone growth, to treat pain, or to detect
									cancer. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/7-power-lines-elf.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						There is some evidence that ELF magnetic
								fields can cause cancer
							in humans but it is far from conclusive. This was concluded based on
							studies indicating that children exposed to relatively strong ELF
							magnetic fields from power lines were more likely to develop
									leukaemia than those
							exposed to weaker fields. These results have not been confirmed or
							explained by experiments on animals and
								cell cultures. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/7-power-lines-elf.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						No relation has been demonstrated between extremely low frequency
							fields and self-reported symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and
							concentration difficulties. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/7-power-lines-elf.htm#4" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						For some other diseases, notably breast
								cancer and cardiovascular
							diseases, recent research indicates that a link to extremely low
							frequency fields is unlikely, but further study is needed on how they
							may affect the brain and spinal cord. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/7-power-lines-elf.htm#5" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="8"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>8. Static magnetic fields like those used in medical imaging</h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/mri-machine.jpg" alt="MRI scanners use static magnetic fields"> MRI scanners use static magnetic fields Credit: Kasuga Huang </div>
					
						Static magnetic fields such as
							those generated by a permanent magnet do not vary over time, and as such
							do not have a frequency (0
						Hz).
					
					
						Man-made static magnetic fields
							are generated wherever electricity is used in the form of
									direct current (DC), for
							instance in some rail and subway systems, in aluminium production and in
							welding. In medicine, MRI scanners
							use static magnetic fields to provide three-dimensional images of the
							brain and other body parts. In this application the exposure can exceed
							the usual recommended limit, both for the MRI operator and the patient.
						
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/8-static-fields.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Evidence is insufficient for drawing conclusions about potential
							health effects. Static magnetic
							fields can exert small forces that result in changes in the
							orientation or position of biological
								molecules and cellular
							components with magnetic properties. They can also exert forces on, and
							affect the functioning of, implanted devices like pacemakers. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/8-static-fields.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Adequate data for risk
							assessment of static magnetic
							fields are almost totally lacking. The advent of new technology,
							and in particular MRI equipment,
							makes this a priority for research. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/8-static-fields.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="9"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>9. What is known about environmental effects of electromagnetic fields? </h3>
			
			
				
					
					<div style="float:right;width:140px; clear:right; margin:5px; padding:5px; float:right; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; font-style:italic; border: 1px outset #ddd; display:inline;">
						
						
						<img style="border:medium none ; margin-bottom:-1px; vertical-align:sub; display:inline;" src="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/images/birds-migration.jpg" alt="Migratory birds rely on magnetic fields for orientation"> Migratory birds rely on magnetic fields for
						orientation Credit: Michael Hatherly </div>
					
						A few studies looked at effects of
								electromagnetic fields on
							certain plants and animals, either in the laboratory or near overhead
							power cables. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/9-environmental-effects.htm#0" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Some animal species might be particularly sensitive to
									electromagnetic fields
							generated by manmade equipment. Migratory birds, for instance, rely on
									magnetic fields for
							orientation and sharks possess electric sense organs. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/9-environmental-effects.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						The few studies on how electromagnetic
								fields may affect the environment focused on extremely low
							frequency fields like those generated by overhead power cables. They
							mostly considered plants – not species that might be particularly
							sensitive to electromagnetic fields. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/9-environmental-effects.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						There are insufficient data to determine whether a single exposure
							standard is sufficient to protect all environmental species from
									electromagnetic fields or
							to judge whether standards for animals and plants should differ from
							those for humans. Good quality data are needed on species that are
							expected to be among the most sensitive to electromagnetic fields.
							Long-term monitoring of relevant species and ecosystems may be valuable
							to assess the potential of electromagnetic fields to influence human
							health. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/9-environmental-effects.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="10"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>10. What comments were expressed on the findings of this assessment?</h3>
			
			
				
					
					
						The public was invited to comment on this assessment by the European
							Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health
							Risks (SCENIHR).
					
					
						While interesting, many of the comments addressed aspects that were
							beyond the task of this assessment. 
					
					
						Certain comments showed that some sentences or paragraphs could be
							misinterpreted and that the wording did not accurately reflect the
							viewpoint of the working group or the SCENIHR. In those instances the
							text was revised accordingly. 
					
					
						Other than that, none of the comments received during the public
							consultation process led to changes in the overall conclusions or in the
							opinion. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/10-public-consultation.htm#0" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		<a name="11"></a><a href="#">Top</a><h3>11. Conclusions on electromagnetic fields</h3>
			
			
				
					
					
						For many of the possible health effects the data available are still
							very limited, especially for long-term low-level exposure. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#0" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						New scientific evidence does not call for a revision of the exposure
							limits to radio frequency fields. There is some
							indication of a link between long-term mobile phone use and a benign
									tumour of the auditory nerve
									(acoustic neuroma), but
							more study is needed. Self-reported symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or
							concentration difficulties have not been linked to exposure to radio
							frequency fields. To date no epidemiologic studies on children are
							available, even though they may be more sensitive than adults to radio
							frequency fields from mobile phones. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#1" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						Because data for the intermediate frequency fields
							are sparse, the assessment of health risks of short-term exposure to
							high levels of intermediate frequency fields is currently based on known
							biological effects at lower and higher frequencies. Proper assessment of
							possible health effects from long-term exposure is important because
							exposure to such fields is increasing due to new technologies. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#2" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						The past conclusion that extremely low frequency
										magnetic fields
							are possibly carcinogenic is still
							valid. This was concluded based on studies indicating that children
							exposed to relatively strong magnetic fields from power lines were more
							likely to develop 
								leukaemia
							. These results have not been confirmed or explained by
							experiments on animals and cell
							cultures. In European countries, the proportion of children
							exposed to such levels is less than 1%. Whether recommended exposure
							limits ought to be changed is a risk
								management decision.
					
					
						No consistent relationship between self-reported symptoms and
							extremely low frequency fields has been demonstrated. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#3" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						New applications of strong static
									magnetic fields
							will require risk assessments for people who use the new technology at
							work, as for instance operators of
							MRI scanners. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#4" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						The data on how electromagnetic
							fields may affect animals and plants are insufficient to
							determine whether a single exposure standard is appropriate for all
							plants/animals and whether the standards for animals and plants should
							differ from those for humans. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#5" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
				
					
					
						To fill the important gaps in knowledge, research efforts are
							recommended, notably on long- term exposure and effects on children and
							personnel dealing with equipment generating strong fields. 
					 <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/l-2/11-conclusions.htm#6" target="gf" onClick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">More...</a>
				
			
		© <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/index.htm" target="gf" onclick="fgf = window.open('','gf','');fgf.focus();">GreenFacts</a> 2008. All rigths reserved. This text is a faithful summary of the produced in 2007 by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR): "Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on Human Health" <a href="http://copublications.greenfacts.org/en/electromagnetic-fields/about-electromagnetic-fields.htm">Learn more...</a>GreenFacts was contracted to prepare this summary by the DG Health and Consumers of the European Commission, which authorised its publication.</td></tr>
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