Occupational EMF Exposure Increases Cancer Risk

Ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays are known human carcinogens as they are capable of stripping electrons and breaking chemical bonds. We know that such ionizing radiation must be respected as it is capable of wreaking havoc in our bodies and our environment. On the other hand, non-ionizing EMF radiation such as microwaves, radio waves, television waves, cellular frequencies and power lines do not strip electrons or break chemical bonds in the same way and were thought to be safe. However, more and more information is now surfacing that indicates non-ionizing EMF radiation may also pose significant health risks.

A 2011 announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiofrequency EMF as a Group 2B carcinogen. The announcement deems radiofrequency EMF “as possibly carcinogenic to humans” due to “an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer, associated with wireless phone use.” This determination resulted from assessments from a group of 31 scientists from 14 countries who met over several days to evaluate the available studies and literature on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. ¹

In the past two decades, numerous studies have surfaced that show a direct correlation between prolonged exposure to EMF and cancer. Some of these studies focus on the workplace and reveal a higher incidence of cancer in people with occupational exposure to EMF radiation. A 2000 study in Poland found an increased risk of brain cancer and leukemia among electric energy workers with occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields. ² Another similar study in New Zealand found “a significantly elevated risk of acute leukemia for electrical workers overall, and for the specific occupational categories of welders/flame cutters and telephone line workers.” For the workers studied, a dose-response effect was found, which means “acute leukemia risk was related to historical and current magnetic field exposures”.³ As such, it is critical to realize that both past and current exposure to EMF contribute to the chances of becoming ill.

Research looking at the mortality rates of workers exposed to EMF also show a correlation between occupational EMF exposure and cancer. A Washington State study that analyzed death records of 486,000 adults over a period of 32 years supports a growing body of evidence “that electric and magnetic fields may be carcinogenic.” Based on the findings, “leukemia and the non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas show increased proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) in workers employed in occupations with intuitive exposures to electromagnetic fields.” ⁴ 

A 2001 Swiss study of railway employees showed an “increase in leukemia mortality of 0.9% per microT-year of cumulative exposure”, with a microT-year simply being a year of exposure to the amount of one microTesla of radiation. Furthermore, the study found an increase in leukemia mortality of 62% per year for those with ten or more years of exposure. ⁵ Again, this study shows a dose-response relationship and that the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to EMF can be devastating to one’s health.

There was a time when young adults chose their careers based on their interests or potential income. The health effects of a career path were not at the forefront of most minds. However, things have changed rapidly in the last few decades. It is clear from these studies that, regardless of the source, EMF exposure can increase the risk of cancer or death. As research on this subject grows, it will become more and more difficult to ignore. The next generation of workers would be well served to consider the EMF exposure implications when choosing their career. 

Many of the studies indicate a dose-response effect to EMF. This means that as the total amount of exposure a person has to EMF increases, either due to exposure level or length of time, so does the risk of cancer or mortality. As such, we would all be well served to reduce our total exposure. Those already in a career where they may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the workplace may want to consider ways to reduce their overall exposure to EMF radiation.  Wireless phones and other wireless technology have become so pervasive in the work environment that even professions historically not considered as high EMF are now exposing their workers to higher and higher levels of EMF radiation. Although a change in career may not be feasible for everyone, you may be able to reduce your total exposure to EMF by avoiding or mitigating sources in your workplace and especially in your home. Your home is your domain where you can take more drastic steps to reduce your total exposure to EMF.

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European Commission Releases New EMF Exposure Report

http://www.interferencetechnology.com/european-commission-releases-new-emf-exposure-report/

A European Commission health committee has released a new updated preliminary study on the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.

Published by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR), “Potential Health Effects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields” is an update to  a 2009 study and aims to take into account technological developments that may have altered average EMF exposure levels, such as greater use of switched power supplies in electronic devices and the increase in household appliances in the intermediate frequency range that exceed reference levels set by previous guidelines.

The report is based on over five hundred studies, most of which were published after 2009, and covers radio frequency, intermediate frequency, terahertz frequency, low frequency and static magnetic field exposure.

Regarding RF exposure, the committee said, “epidemiological studies on RF exposure do not unequivocally indicate an increased risk of brain tumors, and do not indicate an increased risk for other cancers of the head and neck region, or other malignant diseases including childhood cancer.” There is also a lack of evidence regarding negative effects of RF radiation on human cognitive functions, reproduction and development.

Referencing earlier research on the potential for an increased risk of glioma and acoustic neuroma in frequent users of mobile phones, the committee added, “it appears that the evidence for glioma became weaker while the possibility of an association with acoustic neuroma remains open.”

Cell phones remain the most frequent source of human exposure to electromagnetic fields, says the committee, noting that smartphones and other portable wireless devices operate within networks of different technologies and have therefore complicated EMF exposure.

A proper risk assessment on health effects from IF exposure is still not possible at this time, according to the committee, as there are few new studies in general, and no epidemiological studies have been conducted. Risk assessment on the potential health effects from exposure to terahertz EMF is also limited due to the small number of studies carried out thus far.

More research is also needed into the health effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields, says the committee, noting “epidemiological studies are consistent with earlier findings of an increased risk of childhood leukemia with long-term average exposure to magnetic fields above 0.3 to 0.4 µT” but “due to a lack of support from experimental data and shortcomings in the epidemiological studies, evidence remains weak that the observed associated reflects a casual effect.” Some studies have indicated that exposure to ELF does not impact physical movement, but may affect the performance of spatial memory tasks and could raise behavioral anxiety and stress. These effects may be greater with higher intensity fields and with longer periods of exposure.

The committee notes that observational studies have shown that movement in strong static magnetic fields—about 2 T—may induce vertigo and nausea, and suggests further investigation regarding the effects of an MRI scan on DNA integrity is needed. Additional research is also needed on combined simultaneous exposure to EMF of different frequencies and co-exposure to EMF and chemicals or other stressors before any conclusions can be drawn.

A public consultation on the preliminary study will run until April 16, after which a comprehensive report will be released.

- See more at: http://www.interferencetechnology.com/european-commission-releases-new-emf-exposure-report/#sthash.43hRcpHp.dpuf

Unbelievable

I can't do a blog about EMF without mentioning the fantastic British band of the same name, who had numerous hits in the 1990's.

"Unbelievable" was their biggest hit, a song originally appearing on their debut album Schubert Dip. It was released as a single in the UK in 1990, peaking in the UK Singles Chart at number three on 1 December 1990. It was the 32nd best-selling single of 1990 in the UK. In the United States, it hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on 20 July 1991; if one counts a #1 twice if it had two runs at the top (analogous to the official system of numbering U.S. presidents), it was the 1,000th #1 in Billboard history.  The song contains samples of US comedian Andrew Dice Clay throughout the track, including the loud exclamation of "oh!" at the start of each chorus along with the words "it's unbelievable" spoken during the bridge. The track was produced by Ralph Jezzard.