| MadSci Network: Engineering |
| MadSci Network: Engineering |
Aymna,
I must say that this is not something which I know a lot about. From what I have heard reported in the U.S. media, there have been only a small number of studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on humans and other animals. My understanding is that there is very little indication of any danger which is statistically significant.
I did a quick search on the Web, and came up with this site called EMF-Link:
http://infoventures.microserve.com/emf/
Their statement on the intro page is:
"EMF-Link (r) provides substantive information on biological
and health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) fromcommon sources
such as power lines, electrical wiring, appliances, medical equipment,
communications facilities, cellularphones, and computers. Full access to
EMF-Link is obtained by subscribing to one of Information Ventures, Inc.'spublications
and registering online for access."
They even have a message area where you could post your question. I'm sure that someone within that group would have a much more informed opinion to offer. Finally, here is a review of studies which I pulled off of the EMF-Link site. Note the final sentence of the paragraph:
The author reviewed the current epidemiological evidence for an association between electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and cancer. Fourteen residential studies have been published. Five of the 10 studies that investigated cancer risks in children found significant increases in relative risk (RR) for all cancers, brain tumors, and leukemia. The RRs typically varied from 2 to 3. Seventeen occupational studies were published through 1990. When pooled, the data showed modest increases in risk for all cancers, leukemia, and brain cancer and for occupations associated with EMF exposure, but none of these increases were statistically significant except for a 23% increase in brain cancer risk for welders. Fourteen additional occupational studies have been published since 1990: 11 studies analyzed risk patterns for leukemia, 8 for brain cancer, and 5 for breast cancer. The findings have been diverse, without any clear evidence of strong disease patterns or exposure relationships. The author concluded that, although the reviewed epidemiological studies may suggest a relationship between EMF exposure and leukemia or brain cancer, the findings are weak, inconsistent, and inconclusive. [BENER 13756]
Good luck on your new house (but avoid welding)!
Tod