EMFS - CUTTING THROUGH THE CONTROVERSY

SOME SCIENTISTS ALLEGE that exposure to electric and magnetic fields g enerated by electric power delivery systems is responsible for certain cancers (particularly among children), reproductive dysfunction, birt h defects, neurological disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Some activ ist groups believe the hazard to be so great that they are calling for closure of schools and other public facilities near power lines and r estructuring of the entire electric power delivery system. Some utilit ies, with equally strong beliefs, claim that there is no proof of risk They argue that the science is insufficient to confirm the alleged as sociations and that no action is warranted. This article provides a br oad overview of the current scientific data on the association between magnetic fields and disease, providing summary risk estimates and hig hlighting the uncertainties in the data. Building on this information, three complementary policy perspectives are presented. From a fiscall y conservative perspective, the cost of mitigation already instituted far exceeds the health protection offered and mitigation of other envi ronmental risks is more important. From a cost-benefit view, only limi ted, low-cost mitigation should be considered. These measures, however , would substantially reduce many exposures. From an aggressive exposu re reduction perspective, much can be done to reduce exposure by perso nal and societal actions. If the suggested association is validated, s ubstantially reducing magnetic field exposure could lower health risks .