Questions and Answers About EMF Electric and Magnetic Fields Associated with the Use of Electrical Power.
January 1995.

Government Actions

Q. Are more studies of EMFs being done?

A. Yes, worldwide, there are about 200 studies under way or planned involving magnetic and/or electric fields. These include epidemiologic, laboratory, environmental, and engineering studies. Many of these involve some aspect of cancer development. These studies are sponsored by federal and local government agencies and private organizations, including electric utilities and appliance manufacturers.

To expand and accelerate ongoing research efforts in the United States, the 1992 Energy Policy Act included a provision for a 5-year, $65-million program of EMF Research and Public Information Dissemination. The RAPID Program is supported by both federal and matching nonfederal funds and is being coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Research is being conducted on possible health effects (cancer, reproductive, and neurological impacts); engineering-related issues such as exposure assessment and field management; and risk assessment. This booklet is a product of the public information component of the EMF RAPID Program. See the appendix for more information on the program.