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Re: E-M fields health risks



Dear Bernard,

As I recall there was an epidemiological study of power-line workers a few
years back that showed no increase in cancer risk even though these
individuals are exposed to much higher levels of EM radiation than the
average person.

Studies such as the one you quote are interesting, but I don't think they
tell the whole risk-benefit story. For example, owning a refrigerator may
increase very slightly your risk of contracting cancer. However, it
substantially decreases your risk of contracting a number of illnesses that
can be contracted from bacterial contamination of food.

Likewise, using electric lights increases very slightly your risk of
contracting cancer. However, the alternatives (candles, kerosene lamps, or
gas mantles) have much higher risks associated with them.

From a public health point-of-view the risks from EM radiation from power
lines probably is much lower than the risks encountered from the generation
of the electricity in the first place.

Mark Shapiro
http://www.IrascibleProfessor.com

PS.... Full disclosure - I own some Edison International stock (but it isn't
worth enough these days to affect my opinions!)

-----Original Message-----
From: Bernard Cleyet
To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
Sent: 7/17/2001 9:17 PM
Subject: E-M fields health risks

Courtesy of UNDERNEWS:

ECOLOGY

ENS: Added risk of miscarriage, childhood leukemia, brain cancer and
greater incidence of suicide are some of the health risks associated
with exposure to electric and magnetic fields such as those that radiate
from power lines, according to a California health department review.
Two reports by researchers from the California Department of Health
Services say human population studies suggest there might be a problem
from electric and magnetic fields from power lines, wiring in buildings,
certain jobs, and appliances. On behalf of the California Public
Utilities Commission, three scientists who work for the California
Department of Health Services were asked to review the existing
scientific literature about possible health problems from these sources.
The PUC request for review did not include radio frequency EMFs from
cell phones and radio towers . . .

MORE http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2001/2001L-07-16-02.html


bc