Teratogen update: electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Public concern is increasing about the potential health effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) naturally present or generated by electrical appliances and those of very low frequency (VLF) fields, like those generated by video display terminals (VDTs). There are arguments in favour of EMFs being biologically active but no mechanism has been identified that explains the link between EMFs and bioeffects. More than 50 studies on exposures of animals to EMFs have been performed within the last few years. Although there were a few statistically significant effects in the studies reviewed, no replicable results were found among laboratories. The extent of effects observed, if any, was always low, and deserves further investigation before relevance to humans can be considered. Human data reviewed concern the potential reproductive effects (mainly) spontaneous abortions, low birthweight, and congenital malformations) of exposure to various sources of EMFs: maternal residence, heated waterbeds, electric blankets, and ceiling heating coils, occupational exposure (mainly video display terminals), and magnetic resonance imaging. The totality of the evidence that is thus far available provides no convincing evidence to indicate that low frequency EMFs of the sort that might be met in occupational or daily life exposures does any harm to the human reproductive process. It is suggested that those counseling pregnant women follow the guidelines established by WHO in agreement with the International Non-ionizing Radiation Committee. This group does not consider that the results of published studies provide a basis for restricting human exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiation.