What is an electromagnetic field?

Electricity produces both electric and magnetic fields (EMFs). Electric fields pass only through things that conduct electricity: water, copper and metals. Magnetic fields pass through any barrier, including humans. People are worried because of their potential to affect human health adversely.

What are sources of EMFs in my home?

(The following are at approximately 1.2 inches from the source. In general, the older the appliance, the higher the EMF fields.)

How have EMFs been studied?

There are two kinds of EMF studies: biological and epidemiological. Biological studies measure the impact of electromagnetic fields on living cells. When exposed to EMF's, living cells undergo:

- Change in the rate of cell growth
- An alteration in the production of melatonin, (One function of melatonin is to suppress estrogen. Lifetime exposure to estrogen is a known risk factor for breast cancer.)
- Changes in immune cells
- Changes in the pattern of RNA so that proteins produced in the cell to not have normal structure Chemical & Engineering News (11/8/93)

One study has shown that when EMF fields exceed 12 milligauss, Tamoxifen, a drug to prevent recurrence of breast cancer has no effect. Presented by Dr. Robert Liburdy, LBNL, and Berkley, CA at the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer conference on Electromagnetic Fields, in Washington, DC 11/97. This study should be repeated, to be certain of its results.

Epidemiological Studies

Epidemiological studies measure the statistical relationship between the statistical cancer cases, suspected causes and the population. There have been many studies conducted on the effect of EMF exposure, some of which showing a relationship and some showing none. Here are two:

The Department of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina studied all cancer deaths between 1985 and 1989.. If found that women traditionally male dominated "electrical" occupations, with high exposure to electromagnetic fields, have 40% higher mortality from breast cancer that other women in the labor force. 11/8/93 C & EN, NCI funded a study on childhood leukemia (ALL) and magnetic field exposure. Lower that 3mg shows little increase in risk, over 3 Mg revealed an increase of 72% in ALL. NE Journal of Medicine, Martha Linet, et al. 7/3/97

What can we learn from this?

In New York State, a study called the New York Power Lines Project concluded that public utilities should follow a policy of "prudent avoidance". If it doesn't cost too much, we should reduce exposure." 1 in 9 does not believe cost must dictate important public policy decisions.

New York residents have been given no guidance of standards at home. Most epidemiological studies show that health concerns begin at EMF fields of 3 milligauss and higher. Since fields drop off as you move away in proximity,, large appliances should be operated at a distance and beds should be moved away from power lines entering the home.

What can I do to reduce exposure?

1. Request that LIPA come to your home or place of business to measure the EMF's.
2. Replace old clock radios and place them away from your bed.
3. Check where power lines enter your house. Do not have children's' beds near these lines.
4. Stand back when you operate appliances, can openers, microwaves, TV's.
5. At work, if you are using a large copying machine, stand back while it is running. As you move away from electromagnetic fields, they decrease immediately.
6. If you are taking Tamoxifen, have your work place checked for fields above 12 milligauss*

1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition makes no representations as to, and cannot vouch for, the accuracy of the statistical significance of these sources.

Medical uses for EMFs

It is interesting to note that electromagnetic fields are used by orthopedists as a therapy. The EMFs are used to heal bone breaks more quickly.

The information above was compiled from the following sources.

Electricity: Is there a Cancer Connection?
*Chemical & Engineering News (11/8/93D)
Dr Robert Liburdy, LBNL
The Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, 11/9/93
Fred Hutchison Institute of Cancer Research, Seattle, WA
New York Power Lines Project, New York State NCI
Microwave News, Dr Martha Linet, July/August 1997 p10 Who, 1987
For More Information on EMF's and Possible Health Impacts Contact:

Q & A about EMF: national Institute of Environmental health Sciences / Dept. of Energy:
1-800-363-2383

OSHA - US Dept. of Labor, Technical Data Center, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210

New York State Dept. of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology University Hospital and Medical Center at Stony Brook, Dept. of Preventive Medicine prepared a bibliography of EMF and Breast Cancer Studies. Available at your local library

LIPA General Number: 516-755-6000