The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Annual Review of Research on Biological Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields from the Generation, Delivery, and Use of Electricity was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico (11/5/94 - 11/10/94). At this conference, scientific works-in- progress evaluating whether or not exposure to EMF is associated with harmful health effects were presented. A cross-section of research disciplines comprised the three and one-half days of presentations, starting at the cellular level and finishing with epidemiologic studies. Preliminary and updated research conducted at the cellular and molecular level included studies on gene expression and mechanistic models of how EMF may act on living systems. The in vitro studies were followed by engineering studies with a focus on dosimetry, source characterization, and exposure assessment. This year, conference organizers categorized the next research group as in vivo studies, with animals and humans as subcategories. Finally, three papers discussing policy and decision-making processes were presented. In addition, a special workshop was held prior to the actual meeting with discussion of research directions for EMF toxicology studies.
This report provides a synopsis of the work presented in each research discipline. It is based largely on notes [taken by the EMF Coordinator who attended the meeting], printed abstracts for conference participants, and questions posed to authors in order to clarify points. Project abstracts printed for this conference were not peer reviewed and are to be viewed expressly as interim results. Furthermore, because this report is a summary it is very difficult to ascertain the integrity, validity, and accuracy of research results.