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National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Electromagnetic Fields is the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Electromagnetic Fields
Also called: EMFs
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances produce EMFs. Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. A few studies found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but the link is weak. Other studies didn't find a link between EMF exposure and other childhood cancers.
For adults, studies of EMF exposure from power lines and electric blankets show little evidence of a link to cancer. In adults, EMFs may reduce heart rate and interfere with brain electrical activity during sleep. This may or may not affect your health.
Some people worry that wireless and cellular phones cause cancer. They give off radio-frequency energy (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation. Scientists need to do more research on this before they can say for sure.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Electrical and Magnetic Fields
(National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
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Overviews
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What Are Electromagnetic Fields?(World Health Organization)
Also available in Spanish
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What Are Electromagnetic Fields?(World Health Organization)
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Specific Conditions
- Ask the Experts in Radiation Safety: Questions and Answers(Health Physics Society)
- Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity(World Health Organization) - Links to PDF
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Related Issues
- Cell Phone Facts: Consumer Information on Wireless Phones(Food and Drug Administration)
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Cellular Telephone Use and Cancer(National Cancer Institute)
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Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Base Stations and Wireless Technologies(World Health Organization)
Also available in Spanish
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Magnetic Field Exposure and Cancer: Questions and Answers(National Cancer Institute)
- Microwave Oven Radiation(Center for Devices and Radiological Health)
- Radio Frequency Safety(Federal Communications Commission)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Electromagnetic Fields(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Electromagnetic Fields
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Research
- No Evidence Cell Phones Cause Cancer(American Cancer Society)
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Electromagnetic interference from radio frequency identification inducing potentially hazardous incidents...
- Article: Implantable rhythm devices and electromagnetic interference: myth or reality?
- Article: University calls for mobile phone research to be withdrawn after...
- Electromagnetic Fields -- see more articles
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Organizations
- International EMF Project(World Health Organization)
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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Also available in Spanish
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Date last updated: 16 July 2008 Topic last reviewed: 22 May 2008 |