The Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) Research and Public Information Dissemination Program, or RAPID program was established as a result of section 2118 of the National Energy Policy Act, signed into law in 1992. The U.S. DOE is responsible for the overall administration of the 5-year, $65 million program. The program focuses on magnetic fields generated by 60 Hertz (Hz) sources. As stated in the 1994 RAPID program brochure, the underlying premise of the RAPID program is that exposure to electric and magnetic fields under some conditions may lead to unacceptable risk to human health. The focus of the program, therefore, will be to test (within the statutory time limit) the basis of health effects already identified as well as to identify any special conditions that lead to elevated risk. Furthermore, measures to manage such risks will be recommended.
Recommendations will be made by an interagency committee, comprised of representatives from a wide range of regulatory agencies . Assisted by an advisory committee with representation from public interest groups, academia, industry, etc., the Interagency Committee will prepare two congressional reports: an interim report scheduled for release in late 1995 and a final report due in 1997.
Using risk assessment as its framework for decision-making, the RAPID program seeks to determine whether or not adverse human health effects result from exposure to EMF associated with the generation, transmission, and use of electrical energy at 60 Hz. The RAPID program will develop a research agenda, seek research proposals, coordinate research activities, and recommend release of research results to the public. A concerted effort is being made to monitor and evaluate the overall program in order to identify where resources should be focused.
Non-federal funders for the National EMF Research Program, composed mainly of utilities, presented a check for $2.4 million to the U.S. Department of Energy, surpassing the $2 million required to match the federal funding portion of the research program. Receipt of these funds enabled the independent peer review of the 1994 grant applications to take place as scheduled.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EMF Hotline number became operational in May of 1994. The (800) 363- 2383 number is staffed by operators Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM EST. The contractor hired to operate the hotline uses EPA's scripts to address callers' questions. Numerous complaints had been lodged initially, however, regarding the accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness of answers. EPA commented that contractor difficulties would be addressed, especially after the publication of the RAPID program brochure. When tested several weeks later, the hotline appeared to be running more smoothly. As of January 1995, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/Department of Energy Question and Answer brochure will be available by calling the EMF hotline.