Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Question:  Why are electromagnetic fields supposedly dangerous?
Tommy T Joseph

Answer:  I assume you are asking about power line frequency (60 Hz) fields, since 
they have been in the news lately. No one knows for sure that they are dangerous. 
There have been a few studies which seem to show an association between how close 
homes are to power lines, and the incidence of childhood cancer (mostly leukemia) 
in children living (or who have lived) in those homes. Other similar studies have 
not found such an association. In all the studies which have found an association, 
none has actually measured the fields. Studies which actually have measured the 
fields find no association. There is no known mechanism for 60 Hz fields to cause 
cancer. Furthermore, the classic "dose-response relationship," that is, the greater 
the dose, the greater the response, does not seem to work here. Many laboratory 
studies have found that 60 Hz fields have an effect on organisms under certain 
conditions, but none of the observed effects can be convincingly related to a 
hazard. The bottom line is, no one knows for sure. It is important to realize 
that it is impossible to prove that anything is completely safe. My personal opinion
 is that, if there is a risk, it must be very small, or it wouldn't be so hard to 
prove. I can supply some good unbiased references if you are interested.
Gary E Myers