Appeals to a Wide Audience Fueled by more than 30 years of intensive research and debate on the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on everyday life—starting with residential exposure to magnetic fields and the development of childhood cancer in the 70s and continuing with risk of exposure via wireless communications in present day—Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields addresses ongoing public and scientific controversy surrounding the possible effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to human health, and provides an in-depth introduction into the methodology of environmental epidemiology that is appropriate for all levels, from student to practicing engineer. Exposure to EMF Focusing primarily on EMF examples, the author presents the general principles and methodological concepts in environmental epidemiology. Topics of importance in the first part of the book include epidemiological study designs, exposure assessment methods and implications for the study results, as well as selection bias, confounding, and other biases including reverse causality and ecological fallacy. The second part of the book covers environmental epidemiological methods in detail and outlines key examples such as childhood leukemia and exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, as well as examples that look at brain tumors and mobile phone use. The book also offers a detailed discussion on the range of EMF sources and exposures. In addition, it highlights the sophisticated assessment methods required to address exposure situations, and provides a historical perspective. The third part of the book examines how EMF exposure from the use of wireless communication techniques and other challenges affect risk assessment today and also details future developments. Explores environmental epidemiological methods in detail, while critically discussing epidemiological findings Provides a state-of-the-art overview of the scientific evidence of the health effects of EMF Considers how novelty, the steep increase of radiofrequency (RF) EMF exposure from wireless communications, and other challenges affect risk assessment today Epidemiology of Electromagnetic Fields provides a thorough overview of the subject, and evaluates the scientific evidence surrounding the possible health effects of EMFs.

Can the electric and magnetic fields (EMF) to which people are routinely exposed cause health effects? This volume assesses the data and draws conclusions about the consequences of human exposure to EMF. The committee examines what is known about three kinds of health effects associated with EMF: cancer, primarily childhood leukemia; reproduction and development; and neurobiological effects. This book provides a detailed discussion of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization for each. Possible Health Effects of Exposure to Residential Electric and Magnetic Fields also discusses the tools available to measure exposure, common types of exposures, and what is known about the effects of exposure. The committee looks at correlations between EMF exposure and carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, neurobehavioral effects, reproductive and developmental effects, effects on melatonin and other neurochemicals, and effects on bone healing and stimulated cell growth.

A comprehensive review of non-ionizing radiation and its public health and environmental risks, for researchers, policy makers, and laymen This book explains the characteristics of all forms of electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation (NIR) and analyzes the relationship between exposure and its biological effects, as well as the known dose-response relationships associated with each. Taking a uniquely holistic approach to the concept of health that builds upon the WHO definition to include not only absence of disease, but the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals and the population, it reviews established and potential risks and protections, along with regulatory issues associated with each. The risks to public health of NIR, whether in the form of UV light, radio waves from wireless devices, or electric and magnetic fields associated with electrical power systems, is currently a cause of great concern among members of the public and lawmakers. But in order to separate established science from speculation and make informed decisions about how to mitigate the risks of NIR and allocate precious resources, policymakers, manufacturers, and individuals need a comprehensive source of up-to-date information based on the current scientific evidence. Written by a team of experts in their fields, this book is that source. Among other things, it: Summarizes scientific findings on the safety of different forms of NIR and the rationale behind current standards Describes devices for monitoring NIR along with the established and potential hazards of each form Explores proper protections against UV light and lasers, RF radiation, ELF fields and other forms of NIR Discusses how to avoid injuries through occupational training or public awareness programs, and how to perform medical assessments in cases of suspected NIR injuries Considers how to decide whether or not to spend money on certain mitigation measures, based on cost-benefit analyses Offering expert reviews and analyses of the latest scientific findings and public policy issues concerning the risks to public health and the environment of NIR, Non-ionizing Radiation Protection is an indispensable source of information for manufacturers, government regulators, and regulatory agencies, as well as researchers, concerned laypersons, and students.

Spanning static fields to terahertz waves, this volume explores the range of consequences electromagnetic fields have on the human body. Topics discussed include essential interactions and field coupling phenomena; electric field interactions in cells, focusing on ultrashort, pulsed high-intensity fields; dosimetry or coupling of ELF fields into biological systems; and the historical developments and recent trends in numerical dosimetry. It also discusses mobile communication devices and the dosimetry of RF radiation into the human body, exposure and dosimetry associated with MRI and spectroscopy, and available data on the interaction of terahertz radiation with biological tissues, cells, organelles, and molecules.

The media constantly bombard us with news of health hazards lurking in our everyday lives, but many of these hazards turn out to have been greatly overblown. According to author and epidemiologist Geoffrey C. Kabat, this hyping of low-level environmental hazards leads to needless anxiety and confusion on the part of the public concerning which exposures have important effects on health and which are likely to have minimal or no effect. Kabat approaches health scares as "social facts" and shows that a variety of factors can contribute to the inflating of a hazard. These include skewed reporting by the media, but also, surprisingly, the actions of researchers who may emphasize certain findings while ignoring others; regulatory and health agencies eager to show their responsiveness to the health concerns of the public; and politicians and advocates with a stake in a particular outcome. By means of four case studies, Kabat demonstrates how a powerful confluence of interests can lead to overstating or distorting the scientific evidence. He considers the health risks of pollutants such as DDT as a cause of breast cancer, electromagnetic fields from power lines, radon within residences, and secondhand tobacco smoke. Tracing the trajectory of each of these hazards from its initial emergence to the present, Kabat shows how publication of more rigorous studies and critical assessments ultimately help put hazards in perspective.

This book is an educational resource of evolving scientific knowledge in the area of bioelectromagnetics that may serve the interests of students and decision-makers, as well as society as a whole. It is distinguished by extensive descriptions of fundamental biophysical concepts and their relevance to human health. Reflecting the transdisciplinary approach from several different intellectual streams including physics, biology, epidemiology, medicine, environment, risk science, and engineering, the book is quite a venture into the battling studies to assess the latest research on health effects and biomedical applications of EM energy. This new edition of the book particularly looks at the potential threats from the emerging 5G wireless networks, which will deploy large numbers of low-powered smartphones, notebooks, tablets, radio access networks, and other transmitters. Features Introduces necessary biophysical principles of EM fields in the context of their interaction with living systems. Strengthens understanding of cutting-edge research on several major areas in the broad area of bioelectromagnetics. Presents safety standards and guidelines for human exposure to EM fields. Discusses techniques that have been developed to ensure adequate EM-thermal dosimetry required for both health effects and biomedical applications. Provides insight into the determinants of EM health risk assessment and public concerns. Includes extensive reference list at the end of each chapter to enhance further study. Riadh Habash is a special appointment professor and McLaughlin Research Chair in Electromagnetic Fields and Health at the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has been the recipient of many awards, including the National Wighton Fellowship Award, and has authored or co-authored over 90 research articles, six books, and five book chapters. His most recent books are Green Engineering in 2017 and Professional Practice in 2019 (CRC Press), with the remaining previous books targeting the area of bioelectromagnetics.

This book, a selection of the papers presented at the 2nd World Congress for Electricity and Magnetism, provides state-of-the-art information on applications of electricity and electromagnetic fields on living organisms, especially man.