Extremely Low Frequency Fields And Cancer Risk

Low Frequency Fields

Electromagnetic radiation and health
Field ELF waves have frequencies up to 300 Hz. Its immediate effect is the induction of charges and electric currents. These fields can be electrical , magnetic, or a combination of both.

ELF electric field appears when a load or AC voltage is present. This type of field does not penetrate the body , although some studies have associated with an increased incidence of some cancers, especially in children  and other health problems.


ELF magnetic fields appear when there is a alternating current flowing. These fields pass through the body with ease apparently unabated. Some epidemiological studies have shown, as in the previous case, an increase in cancer incidence, particularly in children .

Most of this sort generators are applications that use alternating current.In our homes we can find an electrical devices variety of this type.

Furthermore, the walls of most homes also circulating charges and currents across electrical installation traced. Devices powered by electricity generate such waves, usually of very low intensity, which decreases as we move away from the appliance in question or from the power cord that feeds it.


Any device connected to the network generates an electric field, regardless of whether it is on or off. When turned on, it will also generate a magnetic field. The vibrational frequency of the ELF generated by these devices usually coincides with the vibration frequency of the grid, ie , 50 or 60 Hz.


Besides the usual "dose" of ELF present in our homes and offices , whose existence not present health hazard, there are sources of greater intensity that we should avoid. For example, living near a high voltage tower is associated with an increased cancer risk; security arches metal detectors  ( like ones at airports) emit their radiation ELF more or less intense, etc.


Electromagnetic fields and health
Some studies suggest that ELF fields can suppress the melatonin production, an anticancer substance synthesized by the body. In a laboratory study, cancer cells were immersed in a melatonin solution, and applied a 50 Hz ELF at very low intensity: it turned out that the effect oncostatic ( paralyzing cancer ) from the substance was completely removed.


The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the United States concluded that ELF fields should be considered a "possible human carcinogen for humans". In general, some recommendations related to ELF are:


* Avoid these additional  ELFsources.

* Sleeping away from electrical devices plugged into the network.

* Minimize the electric devices number as possible.

* Design the household electric circuit considering distances to the power leads.

* Building power lines surrounding cities and not going through them.


However  World Health Organization (WHO), recognizes that the ELF fields study of the effects on health is still limited and insufficient to have definitive conclusions.

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