Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields

Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? This volume assesses the data and draws conclusions about the consequences of human exposure to EMF. The committee examines what is known about three kinds of health effects associated with EMF: cancer, primarily childhood leukemia; reproduction and development; and neurobiological effects. This book provides a detailed discussion of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization for each. Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields also discusses the tools available to measure exposure, common types of exposures, and what is known about the effects of exposure. The committee looks at correlations between EMF exposure and carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, neurobehavioral effects, reproductive and developmental effects, effects on melatonin and other neurochemicals, and effects on bone healing and stimulated cell growth. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Exposure and Physical Interactions 3 Cellular and Molecular Effects 4 Animal and Tissue Effects 5 Epidemiology 6 Risk Assessment 7 Research Needs and Research Agenda Appendix A: Tables Appendix B: Exposure Assessment in Residential Studies References Glossary Biographic Sketches of Committee Members Index