Author/Editor     Vodovnik, Lojze; Miklavčič, Damijan
Title     Power lines - is there a health risk?
Translated title     Visokonapetostni daljnovodi - ali obstaja nevarnost za zdravje?
Type     članek
Source     Elektroteh Vestn
Vol. and No.     Letnik 64, št. 4
Publication year     1997
Volume     str. 166-73
Language     eng
Abstract     In the past few days concern has been growing among environmentalists and the general public regarding the health risk of "electromagnetic pollution" of "electromagnetic smog". The major sources of such risks are considered to be high voltage power lines in the vicinity of housing areas. The frequency of these fields lies in the lowest part of the electromagnetic spectrum, between 0 and 300 Hz. This is also the band where we have extensive experience with medical applications. In the paper tirst the evidence for harmful effects is reviewed, followed by a discussion of some medical applications. Most surveys of the literature to date reached the coclusion that exposure to ELF electromagnetic fields has no demonstrable health hazard. In addition, the majority of scientists active in the field recognize that the current body of evidence does not offer a definite answer. Thus, the human health effects from low level ELF electromagnetic fields remain uncertain. The main problems neing the dosimetry, reproducibility of biological experiments and lack of knowledge about mechanisms. Nevertheless, several countries are introducing safety standards, among them Slovenia. Others are introducing the concept of prudent avoidance, ALARA - as low as reasonably achieved. As a separate line of research concerning harmful health effects of EMF, hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields has been developed. This route of investigation is briefly reviewed. In contrast to the research on possible EMF health hazards, numerous diagnostic and therapeutic applications of EMF are regularly used. They are substantiated by excellent experimental evidence and their results are reliable and reproducible.
Descriptors     ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
ELECTRIC STIMULATION THERAPY
ELECTRICITY