Health Concerns of Electromagnetic Radiation

Overview
The possible adverse health effects of EMF were first reported in literature from the former Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the mid-1960s. In 1979, an epidemiological study conducted in the Denver, Colorado area implicated a possible association between childhood cancer mortality and proximity of homes to power distribution lines.

Since that time, public concern as well as scientific uncertainty regarding potential health effects from exposure to power frequency EMF emanating from nearby high voltage electrical transmission lines have generated considerable controversy among scientists, courts, regulatory bodies and public policy makers.

There remains serious concerns and uncertainty regarding adverse health effects of long-term RF radiation. Health studies (see below) have indicated a potential increase in cases of brain cancer, leukemia, DNA damage, eye damage and other potential health effects from prolonged exposure to RF radiation. To read more details about overall health concerns, click here...

Findings are result of a multi-year National Institute of Health (NIH)/ Colorado State University (CSU) Study of Lookout Mountain Residents

Lookout Mountain Residents with increased amounts of broadcast radiation (RF) have statistically significant elevations of certain types of white blood cells that are immune system markers.

The National Institute of Environmental Health commissioned Colorado State University to examine the effects of long-term exposure to radiation on hundreds of residents of Lookout Mountain. This study follows the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment’s July 2004 findings that statistically significant elevated numbers of brain tumors exist in residents near the broadcast antennae towers atop Lookout Mountain.

Professor Jim Burch, M.S., Ph.D., one of the authors of the CSU study observes:

“This study does show biological changes in the Lookout Mountain residents’ immune system markers that are associated with RF.  Various immune markers increase with increasing RF exposure.  For example, the T cells and lymphocytes go up in a statistically significant manner with increases in RF.  The reason for this reaction within the human body for this biological response in unclear. 

The fact that there are RF limits imposed by the federal government shows that broadcast radiation is harmful beyond certain amounts.  Everyone knows too much is hazardous. The issue is whether there are effects below the broadcast radiation levels that heat the body. In other words, are there also nonthermal effects?  The CSU study was never designed to determine the risk of RF (radiofrequency radiation); it was designed to see if the RF caused changes in the biomarkers. No one study can prove or disprove the safety of broadcast radiation. This study shows there are some biological effects. ”

This is the first official study to measure radiation amounts on Golden’s Lookout Mountain, Colorado State University’s Department of Environmental Health confirms that residents closest to the broadcast antennae towers experience high radiation levels: one in four Lookout Mountain residents experience radiation levels far in excess of the levels that the median population experiences. More specifically, those residents living in the same elevation levels as the towers have the highest radiation levels.

To read the entire study, click here... 

Examination of Health Risks Assoc. with Exposure to Electronmagnetic Radiation Cynthia Kelly, M.D. - Orthopaedic Oncology, Denver, Colorado

Available data suggest that RF radiation should be considered "a carcinogenic risk," a position taken in an internal 1990 US EPA document. Under extended exposure conditions, RF signals at average of 5 uW/kg are capable of inducing chromosome damage in human lymphocytes. The risk of EMF exposure with erection of the new tower is sufficiently significant and the exposure sufficiently widespread that actions to limit new exposures are warranted. To read the entire Powerpoint presentation, click here...

Effects of RF Radiation on Human Health and Disease
Stephen K. Frankel, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Medicine, National Jewish Medical and Research Center and The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Non-thermal biological effects of RF radiation exist and occur at doses previously thought to be safe. Thermal effects alone should not be considered an acceptable readout of biological effects.
To read the entire Powerpoint presentation, click here...

Health Effects Associated with Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Field
John S. Reif, M.D. - Department of Environmental Health, Colorado State University

CDPHE study of cancer incidence shows an association with male brain cancer in vicinity of Lookout Mountain, Jefferson county. Biological mechanisms have been demonstrated for 60Hz and/or RF which could lead to increased cancer in humans. The evidence i adequate to dictate a cautionary approach and avoidance of any additional exposures to RF fields. To read the entire Powerpoint presentation, click here...

Sensitivity of Non Human Primate Eye to Microwave Radiation
George J. Pardos, M.D. - Ophthalmologist, Fellowship trained in Cornea and External Disease

Current FCC regulations allow at higher frequencies, greater human power exposure. ASt GHz frequencies 1.0mW/cm2 is allowed. This study showed that even at the 0.2 mW/cm2 (200uW/cm2) there may be threshold damage allowing increased permeability to none human primate blood vessel. To read the entire Powerpoint presentation, click here...

Children are at Higher Risk to Electromagnetic Radiation
Jim Martin - Electrical Engineer, Discussing studies from Dr. Don Maish and Dr. Neil Cheery

On March 3, 2003, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new guidelines for evaluating cancer risks to children, on the grounds that children may be 10 times more vulnerable than adults to cancer risks from exposure to a wide range of chemicals. There is also a large body of scientific evidence that indicates children may be far more vulnerable to health effects from exposure to mobile phone microwave radiation than adults, as well. To read the entire Powerpoint presentation, click here...

The CDPHE confirmed a persistent elevation of CNS tumors in those who live closest to the Towers. This information raises questions about the advisability of increasing radiofrequency exposure without more information about the impacts on people. As the Department’s study noted:

"The World Health Organization and many other national and international health agencies have identified the need for a better scientific understanding of possible health effects associated with radiofrequency exposure and are currently recommending consideration of a precautionary approach until this uncertainty can be addressed by further scientific study. A precautionary approach seems especially sensible in light of the stakes: public health and safety."

To read the entire CDPHE Study Press Release, click here...

Environment and Society Working Group
EMF Exposure Standards Applicable in Europe and Elsewhere.pdf - Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying electric, magnetic, and electronmagnetic fields by country.