Electric and magnetic fields and health outcomes--an overview. 1994

B Knave
National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Neuromedicine, Solna, Sweden.

In recent years interest has increased in the biological effects and possible health outcomes of weak electric and magnetic fields. Studies have been presented on magnetic fields and cancer, reproduction, and neurobehavioral reactions. Epidemiologic studies on childhood leukemia and residential exposure from power lines seem to indicate a slight increase in risk, and excess leukemia and brain tumor risks have been reported in "electrical" occupations. In spite of a large number of experimental laboratory studies, however, no plausible and understandable mechanism has been presented by which a carcinogenic effect could be explained. International guidelines state that the scientific knowledge on magnetic fields and cancer does not warrant limiting exposure levels for the general public and work force down to the low levels of everyday exposure. Study results on reproduction, including adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurobehavioral disorders are generally considered insufficiently clear and consistent to constitute a scientific basis for restricting exposure.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007938 Leukemia A progressive, malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, characterized by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow. Leukemias were originally termed acute or chronic based on life expectancy but now are classified according to cellular maturity. Acute leukemias consist of predominately immature cells; chronic leukemias are composed of more mature cells. (From The Merck Manual, 2006) Leucocythaemia,Leucocythemia,Leucocythaemias,Leucocythemias,Leukemias
D008297 Male Males
D009369 Neoplasms New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms. Benign Neoplasm,Cancer,Malignant Neoplasm,Tumor,Tumors,Benign Neoplasms,Malignancy,Malignant Neoplasms,Neoplasia,Neoplasm,Neoplasms, Benign,Cancers,Malignancies,Neoplasias,Neoplasm, Benign,Neoplasm, Malignant,Neoplasms, Malignant
D009784 Occupational Diseases Diseases caused by factors involved in one's employment. Diseases, Occupational,Occupational Illnesses,Disease, Occupational,Illnesse, Occupational,Illnesses, Occupational,Occupational Disease,Occupational Illnesse
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D011297 Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects The consequences of exposing the FETUS in utero to certain factors, such as NUTRITION PHYSIOLOGICAL PHENOMENA; PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS; DRUGS; RADIATION; and other physical or chemical factors. These consequences are observed later in the offspring after BIRTH. Delayed Effects, Prenatal Exposure,Late Effects, Prenatal Exposure
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children
D004574 Electromagnetic Fields Fields representing the joint interplay of electric and magnetic forces. Electromagnetic Field,Field, Electromagnetic,Fields, Electromagnetic
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

Related Publications

B Knave
December 1993, Environmental health perspectives,
B Knave
April 1993, American Industrial Hygiene Association journal,
B Knave
January 1980, Strahlenschutz in Forschung und Praxis,
B Knave
October 1989, Science (New York, N.Y.),
B Knave
February 1991, Perceptual and motor skills,
B Knave
January 1987, Bioelectromagnetics,
B Knave
June 2016, Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis,
B Knave
October 1980, The Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine,
B Knave
July 1989, Science (New York, N.Y.),
Copied contents to your clipboard!