Numerous internationally recognized scientific organizations and independent regulatory advisory groups have conducted scientific reviews of the EMF research literature. It is their ability to bring together experts from a variety of disciplines to review the full body of research on this complex issue, that gives their reports the credibility and recognition they have received.
Without exception, these major reviews have reported that the body of data, as large as it is, does not demonstrate that exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields causes cancer or other health risks, although the possibility cannot be dismissed. The weakness of the reported associations, the lack of consistency and the severe limitations in exposure assessment in the epidemiology studies together with the lack of support from laboratory studies were key considerations in the findings of the scientific reviews. Most reviews recommend further research, and, appropriately, research is ongoing worldwide.
Click on the links below to view summary statements from many of the reviews performed over the last several years. To the right, find links to the full texts of the most recent major reviews.
National Radiological Protection Board 2004, United Kingdom
Review of the Scientific Evidence for Limiting Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields 0-300 GHz
It is concluded that currently the results of these [epidemiologicaland experimental] studies on EMFs and health, taken individuallyor as collectively reviewed by expert groups, are insufficienteither to make a conclusive judgement on causality or toquantify appropriate exposure restrictions.
Electromagnetic Fields Committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands May 2001, The Netherlands
Electromagnetic Fields: Annual Update 2001
The [Health Council of the Netherlands] Committee, likethe IARC [see last bullet below] itself, points out thatthere is no evidence to support the existence of a causalrelationship here. Nor has research yet uncovered any evidencethat a causal relationship might exist. Nevertheless, newsuggestions for possible mechanisms … are regularly putforward. However, none of these hypotheses can presentlyexplain how ELF magnetic fields exposure might lead to cancer.Is this statement by the IARC sufficient reason to recommendthat steps be taken to, for example, limit children’s long-termexposure to ELF magnetic fields? Since the conclusion ofthe IARC is not different from that of the Committee, itadheres to its previously expressed view that, on the basisof the current level of knowledge, there is no reason totake such action.
California Department of Health Services June 2002
An Evaluation of the Possible Risks From Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) From Power Lines, Internal Wiring, Electrical Occupations and Appliances
The three CDHS epidemiologists who wrote the report statedthat: “…to one degree or another…” they “…were inclinedto believe that EMFs can cause some degree of increasedrisk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig’sDisease, and miscarriage.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization) June 2001, Lyon, France
Static and Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields
ELF magnetic fields are possibly carcinogenic to humans, based on consistent statistical associations of high level residential magnetic fields with a doubling of risk of childhood leukaemia."
Studies in experimental animals have not shown a consistent carcinogenic or co-carcinogenic effects of exposures to ELF magnetic fields, and no scientific explanation has been established for the observed association of increased childhood leukaemia risk with increasing residential ELF magnetic field exposure."
Electromagnetic Fields Committee of the Health Councilof the Netherlands May 2001, The Netherlands
Electromagnetic Fields: AnnualUpdate 2001
It therefore remains the committee’sbelief that it is not likely that children (or adults) livingnear to high-voltage power lines are at risk through exposureto electromagnetic fields generated by those lines. Thisview is consistent with that of the Advisory Group on Non-ionisingRadiation – a committee of the UK’s National RadiologicalProtection Board, chaired by Sir Richard Doll – as publishedin early March 2001 (Adv01):
'There is … some epidemiological evidence that prolonged exposure to higher levels of power frequency magnetic fields is associated with a small risk of leukaemia in children. … In the absence of clear evidence of a carcinogenic effect in adults, or of a plausible explanation from experiments in animals or isolated cells, the epidemiological evidence is currently not strong enough to justify a firm conclusion that such fields cause leukaemia in children. Unless, however, further research indicates that the finding is due to chance or some currently unrecognised artefact, the possibility remains that intense and prolonged exposures to magnetic fields can increase the risk of leukaemia in children.'
National Radiological Protection Board March 2001, UnitedKingdom
ELF Electromagnetic Fields andthe Risk of Cancer, Report of an Advisory Group on Non-ionisingRadiation
Laboratory experiments have provided no good evidence that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are capable of producing cancer, nor do human epidemiological studies suggest that they cause cancer in general. There is, however, some epidemiological evidence that prolonged exposure to higher levels of power frequency magnetic fields is associated with a small risk of leukaemia in children. In practice, such levels of exposure are seldom encountered by the general public in the UK. In the absence of clear evidence of a carcinogenic effect in adults, or of a plausible explanation from experiments on animals or isolated cells, the epidemiological evidence is currently not strong enough to justify a firm conclusion that such fields cause leukaemia in children. Unless, however, further research indicates that the finding is due to chance or some currently unrecognised artefact, the possibility remains that intense and prolonged exposures to magnetic fields can increase the risk of leukaemia in children. (Chapter 7, Section 15)
National Research Council (National Academy Of Sciences) October 1996, USA,Committee on the Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fieldson Biologic Systems, Board on Radiation Effects Research,Commission on Life Sciences, Washington, D.C.
Possible Health Effects from Exposureto Electric and Magnetic Fields
Based on a comprehensive evaluationof published studies relating to the effects of power frequencyelectric and magnetic fields on cells, tissues, and organisms(including humans), the conclusion of the committee is thatthe current body of evidence does not show that exposureto these fields presents a humanhealth hazard.Specifically,no conclusive and consistent evidence shows that exposuresto residential electric and magnetic fields produce cancer,adverse neurobehavioral effects, or reproductive and developmentaleffects.” (p.1)"The body of evidence, in the committee'sjudgment, has not demonstrated that exposure to power-frequencyelectric and magnetic fields is a human-health hazard. However,some epidemiologic data support an association between surrogatemeasurements of magnetic fields and an increased risk ofchildhood leukemia. Further research for understandingthe various ways of measuring exposure and their possibleassociation with adverse health outcomes in model and humansystems will be needed to resolve the uncertainty. (p. 185)
Virginia Department of Health February 1996, USA, Eleventh AnnualReport
Monitoring of Ongoing Researchon the Health Effects of High Voltage Transmission Lines
The preponderance of evidence for an increased risk of cancer in humans from exposure to EMF presented in the epidemiologic studies published so far, taken individually or collectively, can best be construed as tenuous, and does not allude to an inordinate hazard.…Given the inherent limitations of the epidemiologic studies, absence of an exposure-effect or dose-response relationship, lack of consistency and specificity of observations, and a void in experimental verification, it is not currently possible to state with any certainty that there is a human health risk associated with exposure to EMF or with living near high voltage transmission lines. (p.18)
American Cancer Society January/February 1996, USA, CA — A Cancer Journal forClinicians
Electromagnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: A Reviewof Epidemiologic Evidence
The weakness and inconsistent nature of epidemiologic data, combined with the continued dearth of coherent and reproducible findings from experimental laboratory research, leave one uncertain and rather doubtful that any real biologic link exists between EMF exposure and carcinogenicity….Should our research investment not lead to reproducible and cohesive results, the scientific community will need to reach some consensus about the likelihood and possible extent of risk. While it may be impossible to prove either the presence or absence of risk, perhaps it can be feasible to assign likely risk boundaries upon which practical guidelines for community consensus can be reached. (p.42-43)
American Physical Society May 1995, USA, Panel on Public Affairs
Background Paper on PowerlineFields and Public Health
The scientific literature and the reports of review panels show no consistent, significant link between cancer and the 60-Hz ELF fields. This literature includes epidemiological studies, research on biological systems, and the analyses of theoretical mechanisms. This result is consistent with those that have advanced arguments that there can be no such link. The preponderance of the epidemiological and biophysical/biological research findings have failed to substantiate those studies that have reported specific adverse health effects from the exposure to 60 Hz ELFs. It is always possible that some minor carcinogenic connection might be found, but the present data do not establish that connection. (p. 1-2)
American Medical Association January1995, USA, Report 7 of the Council on Scientific Affairs
Effects of Electric and Magnetic Fields
Some studies of thepast 15 years have associated exposures to 50 or 60 Hz electricand magnetic fields with slightly elevated risk of developingcancer or leukemia in children or adults. However, the inconsistencyof the results and the shortcomings of most of the studies,in terms of selecting test and control groups, estimatingexposures, and accounting for key variables that might affectoutcomes, detract from the studies’ conclusions....It isnot certain that electromagnetic fields pose health risks,or if they do, which attribute or mechanism of action isresponsible....Yet, without stronger evidence there is noproblem, it would be unwise to dismiss the possibility thatelectromagnetic fields have adverse health effects.” p.10-11“The Council of Scientific Affairs recommends thatthe following statement[s] be adopted and that the remainderof the report be filed.
“[That] no scientifically documented health risk has been associated with the usually occurring levels of electromagnetic fields; nevertheless, the American Medical Association should continue to monitor development and issues related to the subject. (p. 12)
National Radiological Protection Board April 1994, United Kingdom, Supplementary Report by theAdvisory Group on Non-ionizing Radiation, Prepared for theNational Radiological Protection Board
Electromagnetic Fields and The Risk of Cancer
The [Advisory] Group[on Non-Ionising Radiation] has concluded that all thesestudies [Swedish, Danish, Finnish childhood epidemiologystudies] were well controlled and substantially better thanthat previously reported associations with cancer. The studiesdo not establish that exposure to electromagnetic fieldsis a cause of cancer but, taken together, they do providesome evidence to suggest that the possiblility exists inthe case of childhood leukemia.” (p. 79)
"Thus, at present, there is no persuasive biological evidence that ELF electromagnetic fields can influence any of the accepted stages in carcinogenesis. There is no clear basis from which to derive a meaningful assessment of risk, nor is there any indication of how any putative risk might vary with exposure. (p. 80)
The Danish Ministry of Health, Expert Group on Non-Ionising Radiation February 1994, Denmark
Report on the Risk of Cancer inChildren Living in Homes Exposed to 50 Hz Magnetic FieldsFrom High Voltage Lines (Appendum)
Thecombined analyses [of the Swedish, Danish, and Finnish childhoodepidemiology studies] add more statistical power to thestatistical association of childhood cancers with 50 Hzmagnetic field exposure but cannot resolve the uncertaintyin terms of causal inference.
Following a discussion of the combined analyses, the Danish expert group concerning non-ionizing radiation does not find reason to change the main conclusions in this [1993] report. (p. 66)
The Danish Ministry of Health, Expert Group on Non-Ionising Radiation May 1993, Denmark
Report on the Risk of Cancer inChildren Living in Homes Exposed to 50 Hz Magnetic FieldsFrom High Voltage Lines
The expert group believed that neither the earlier nor the latest studies offers sufficient documentation to characterize 50 Hz magnetic fields in homes adjacent to high-current electricity supply plants as a cancer-inducing factor among children. The studies described do not, however, allow this assumption to be dismissed. The group, therefore, finds no scientific reason for establishing standards with respect to high-current plants. (p. 70)
Department of the Partnership for Social and EconomicDevelopment, NationalInstitute of Health and Medical Research February1993, Paris, France
Synthesis of the Literature on Health Effects FromVery Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields
Any epidemiological data must be interpreted in light of its biologic plausibility and experimental results. Now, animal experiments have never demonstrated carcinogenic effects of exposure to EMF. In conclusion, the epidemiologic results presently available do not permit the exclusion of a role for magnetic fields in the incidence of leukemia, particularly in children. New investigations are necessary to confirm or deny this role. (p. 46)
Department of Energy, Ireland July 1992, Areport to Mr. Robert Molloy, T.D., Minister of Energy, Departmentof Energy
Electromagnetic Fields. A Review of Recent Developments in Research and Public Attitudes, and the Response of Authorities to These Developments
"Without exception these reportsand the positions taken by the organizations concerned donot see enough evidence to be able to indict electromagneticfields as a hazard to health." (p. xx) [In thisreport the Department of Energy refers to all the otherreviews as part of their conclusion]
Oak Ridge Associated Universities June 1992, USA, Prepared by Oak Ridge Associated Universities for the United States Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination (ORAU92/F8), (Released November 1992
Health Effects of Low-Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields
This review indicates that there is no convincingevidence in the published literature to support the contentionthat exposures to extremely low-frequency electric and magneticfields (ELF-EMF) generated by sources such as householdappliances, video display terminals, and local powerlinesare demonstrable health hazards. “Epidemiologic findingsof an association between electric and magnetic fields andchildhood leukemia or other childhood or adult cancers areinconsistent and inconclusive. No plausible biological mechanismis presented that would explain causality. Neither is thereconclusive evidence that these fields initiate cancer, promotecancer, or influence tumor progression. Likewise, thereis no convincing evidence to support suggestions that electricand magnetic fields result in birth defects or other reproductiveproblems. Furthermore, any neurobehavioral effects are likelyto be temporary and do not appear to have health consequences.(p.ES-11 to ES-12)
National Radiological Protection Board June 1992, United Kingdom, Report of an Advisory Group on Non-ionizing RadiationPrepared for National Radiological Protection Board, United Kingdom(Vol. 3, No. 1, 1992)
Electromagnetic Fields and The Risk of Cancer
In the absence of any unambiguous experimental evidenceto suggest that exposure to these electromagnetic fieldsis likely to be carcinogenic, in the broadest sense of theterm, the findings to date can be regarded only as sufficientto justify formulating a hypothesis for testing by furtherinvestigation. (p.132)
Committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands April 1992
Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Health
[T]he Committee thinks that any evidence from currentlyavailable research is insufficient to support the hypothesisthat exposure to ELF EMF generated by the electricity distributionsystem and by electric household appliances and industrialelectrical equipment has any influence on the initiationor growth of malignancies, or on the course of pregnancyor fetal development. The Committee recognizes that severalepidemiological studies in the US have reported a relationbetween the configuration of overhead distribution lines(the 'wire code') and the incidence of childhood leukemia.This relation is in itself insufficient reason for the Committeeto assume a causal relationship between exposure to ELFEMF and the incidence of leukemia (or other types of cancer).A relation with the measured field strength has notbeen found. (emphasis in original). (p.21)
Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering April 1992, USA, Response to inquiry for the Department of Health Services,State of Connecticut
Electromagnetic Field Health Effects
[T]he only general conclusion can be that the state ofour knowledge at this time does not permit firm judgements[sic] about possible adverse effects of Extremely Low Frequency(ELF) magnetic fields on human health. Even the weight ofevidence indicating the possibility of such effects versusthe weight of evidence that such effects could not occuris difficult to judge. Absolute proof of the occurrenceof adverse effects of ELF fields at prevailing magnitudescannot be found in the available evidence, and the sameevidence does not permit a judgement [sic] that adverseeffects could not occur, as is true for any putative hazardwithout a solid base of evidence.…Epidemiological studiesof human populations exposed to magnetic fields are difficultto interpret. At this time, they lack a proven mechanism,the excess risks are relatively small, and the estimateof exposures is fraught with difficulties. Associationsbetween exposure, and attempts to relate the excess risksto actual measurements of magnetic fields have been relativelyunsuccessful. This failure may be due to the difficultiesin documenting past exposures by recent measurements.Thus,the epidemiological literature does not presently supporta conclusion that electromagnetic field exposure unequivocallyincreases risk for cancer or any other adverse health outcome.In fact, the totality of the epidemiological studies suggeststhat if adverse health effects from residential electromagneticfield exposure exist, they are not likely to make a largecontribution. (p.7)
Universities Consortium on Electromagnetic Fields March 1992, Colorado, USA
Investigation in Powerline Frequency EMF and Its Risks to Health:A Review of the Scientific Literature
Taken together, theconclusions from this review highlight the absence of healtheffects directly related to 60 Hz alternating current EMFon humans. It is equally clear that the book is notclosed. Several questions remain unanswered that shouldbe addressed in carefully conducted research by qualifiedinvestigators who are knowledgeable in the problems andpitfalls of this type of research. (p.2)
Electro-magnetic Health Effects Committee, Public Utility Commission of Texas March 1992, Austin, Texas, USA
Health Effects of Exposure to Powerline-Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields
The Committeebelieves that, based on its evaluation of the existing EMFresearch, the evidence at this time is insufficient to concludethat exposure to EMF from electric power transmission linesposes an imminent or significant public health risk. Ingeneral, the Committee's evaluation is corroborated by otherEMF literature summaries and background reports.The Committeeconcludes that at present there is insufficient evidenceregarding human health effects of EMF to provide the basisfor a health-based standard. The Committee can findno reason to create arbitrary numbers to use as a desiredlevel of exposure, because the use of such numbers cannotbe argued or defended on the basis of scientific evidence. The primary objective of the Committee is the protectionof public health, and the Committee can find no scientificargument to support standards, either through guidance orthrough regulatory criteria. (p.xxi)
Illinois Department of Public Health in coordination with the Illinois EPA March 1992, Illinois, USA, Prepared in Response to House Resolution 1064 of the 86th General Assembly of the State of Illinoisby the Illinois Department of Public Health in coordination with the Illinois EPA
Possible Health Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields Exposure: A Review
Even though certain bioeffects have been clearlyestablished, the basis for those effects and the underlyingmechanisms of interaction remain largely unknown. Whetherthese observed ELF bioeffects cause adverse health effectsin humans and animals is not yet clear. No scientific consensushas been reached on this issue. Without sufficient information,health risks from exposure to these fields cannot be properlydetermined. (p.iii)
Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board January 1992, USA, Letter written in response to memorandum from EPA requesting a peer review of the draft report (EPA/60016-90/005B), Prepared by Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board
Evaluation of the Potential Carcinogenicity of Electromagnetic Fields
Currently available information is insufficientto conclude that the electric and magnetic fields are carcinogenic. Some human epidemiologic data report an association betweensurrogates for electric and magnetic field exposure andan increased incidence of some types of cancer, but theconclusion of causality is currently inappropriate becauseof limited evidence of an exposure-response relationshipand lack of a clear understanding of biologic plausibility. (p.3)
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Last updated: January 26, 2009