Are electromagnetic fields hazardous to your health? It depends on what you read and to whom you talk.
The American public is still waiting for official word. Meanwhile, the Swedish government has acknowledged the research from an extensive study in that country to be conclusive. The best Americans can do in the meantime is educate themselves on the issue and make their own conclusions.
Documented research material that may be worth a look includes the 1989 study of EMF’s done by the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. The study, titled “Electric and Magnetic Fields from 60-Hertz Electric Power: What Do We Know About Possible Health Risks?” is available for $3.50 by writing the university’s Dept. of Engineering and Public Policy, attention “EMF Brochure,” 129 Baker Hall, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213.
Available free of charge from the state of Illinois are the Illinois Public Health Depatment’s 1992 compilation of research, “Possible Health Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Field Exposure: A Review,” and the health department’s “Electric and Magnetic Fields: Questions Concerning These Fields and Your Health”; call 217-782-5830.
In-depth coverage of the Swedish study was published by the New York journal Microwave News in its Sept./Oct. 1992 issue, and back orders of that publication are available for $5 by sending a self-addressed, stamped 9 by 12 envelope to Microwave News, P.O. Box 1799, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163.
Many other studies are available in medical journals including the American Journal of Epidemiology, the International Journal of Epidemiology, Cancer Research, the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, and Environmental Health Perspectives.
After reading up on EMF’s, you may elect to have your home measured. The University of Illinois at Chicago’s electrical engineering department does this for a fee (generally around $50). A graduate student will visit the homesite with a reliable tool to measure the milligauss of electromagnetic radiation both inside and outside. University lab supervisor Bill Bates (312-996-8543) does not recommend purchase of inexpensive (around $20) handheld milligauss meters because it is difficult to gain a steady reading with them.
Commonwealth Edison conducts free testing for homeowners. Call 800-EDISON-1.
