Electromagnetic Field Toxicology Reporter

Evaluation and Assessment of Extremely Low Frequency EMF Bioeffects
Volume 2, Number 3, September 2000

Epidemiologic Studies of Residential EMF Exposures

by Robert B. Goldberg, Ph.D., Editor

Summary

A number of reports summarized here addressed the issue of residential EMF exposure and childhood cancer and leukemia. The most important was the second report on the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study to evaluate the possible causes of childhood cancer in England, Scotland and Wales between 1991 and 1998. The results of the assessment of leukemia risk are summarized here. A useful meta-analysis is included of all studies published in English on the EMF and childhood leukemia relationship between 1966 and 1998. Another article reviewed the value of more modern methodology for exposure assessment. After outlining how wire codes came into being as the metric for early studies, the author questioned the superiority of personal monitoring that is currently favored, and which has lead to lower risk estimates for childhood cancers. We also present a discussion of a Swedish study of breast cancer in women living near power lines. A possible association between the periconceptual use of electric blankets, bed warmers, or electrically heated waterbeds and increased risk of spontaneous abortions or birth defects has been a major area of study. This issue of birth defects was addressed in a study reported by the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program, and the California and Washington State Health Services Departments that is summarized here. [six pages, 12 references].

Learn how to become a licensee to get access to full text of this journal.

Copyright (c) 1994-2008, Information Ventures, Inc.
Mail us at: Customer-Service@infoventures.com
http://infoventures.com