Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)

There have been numerous studies published on Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) that indicate that extremely low frequency magnetic emissions may present serious health risks. Occupational exposure to these emissions has been associated with elevated death rates due to leukemia, brain tumors, an across-the-board decline in the immune response system, other cancers, and central nervous system concerns. Exposure during pregnancy has been associated with significant increases of miscarriage and increases in infant mortality. It should be pointed out that an association between two events is not always proof of cause and effect.

Where do EMF emissions come from? Electricity is the unseen helper of our times. It’s taken for granted most of the time but it may be harming us. EMFs are stronger relative to the strength of current, and its intensity falls off quickly with distance from the source. If, for example, currents leaving and entering are a home not equal, an “inequity” can create a magnetic field along the service drop (where the electricity is fed into the house). Commonly, the current enters the home by way of a transformer on a hydro pole which reduces the voltage to the service drop and on through to the meter. From here it travels throughout the home’s wiring, receptacles, fixtures, appliances, etc. It then returns through the electrical panel to exit back to the pole on the street. Some current can even travel along the grounding wire attached to the home’s water pipes. Homes located near high voltage, overhead transmission lines can be a concern as well. The electric power industry is looking for ways to reduce the public’s exposure to the lines’ magnetic fields.

How serious can EMFs be? While we are still unsure about the effects of EMF certain precautions are being taken. In July 1991 the Swedish government adopted standards restricting emissions from computer monitors. In 1992, the Karolinska Institute in Sweden released a study showing a connection between proximity to power lines and various cancers, most notably childhood leukemia. The New York City Board of Education adopted even stronger restrictions. The East York (Toronto area) Board of Education permanently closed a kindergarten room and moved to a portable. The Toronto Board of Health has been working on EMF since 1990 and formally adopted a policy for avoidance in 1993. Now, a five year study by Canadian researchers at the University of Toronto, in conjunction with the Hospital for Sick Children, have found “an association” between childhood leukemia and high magnetic field levels from sources such as power lines. Funding for the research came from Ontario Hydro Services Co. (formerly part of Ontario Hydro) and the Canadian Electric Association. Some suggest that the evidence so far seems to indicate that EMF are probably “weak” carcinogens and that they are likely promoters, not initiators, of cancer. So, for example, tissue that has already been “initiated” to cancer in the lungs of a smoker may be more likely to develop cancer if exposed to EMF.

What can you do? Large scale studies now underway may eventually resolve some of the uncertainties left by early research. Currently there have been no acceptable levels for EMF emissions set down by any governing bodies in North America, however in Sweden a reading of 2.0 milliGauss (mG) is thought to be acceptable. A number of epidemiological studies in the area of childhood brain cancer and leukemia linked with EMF are at magnetic field levels above 2-3 mG. This suggests that EMF levels below this are safer. Some have suggested that levels of 1.0 mG, 0.65 mG and as low as 0.2 mG may be harmful, while others strongly disagree. Until the final results are available, be informed about EMF, test & monitor regularly for its presence and practice prudent avoidance. When buying a home include a satisfactory EMF inspection requirement in the offer to purchase, and avoid homes with levels above the 2.0 mG. Although it is not necessarily a safe level it may be a level of acceptable risk relative to higher levels, given what we know at this time.