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From: wtm@neoucom.UUCP (Bill Mayhew)
Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio,sci.med,sci.electronics,sci.misc,sci.physics
Subject: Re: Cancer and Electromagnetic Radiation (Long)
Summary: I'm skeptical, but I'm glad it is being investigated
Keywords: Cancer, Radio, Electromagnetic Radiation, ANSI, Chemical Hazards
Message-ID: <914@neoucom.UUCP>
Date: 7 Jan 88 05:29:29 GMT
References: <1077@kodak.UUCP>
Sender: wfd@neoucom.UUCP
Organization: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Lines: 23


Sicne it is a medical school I work in, the recent spate of reports
on the purported carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic fields has
been a strong topic of converstion.  I'm not convinced that the
methodolgy of the study has been carfully controlled enough to rule
out effects other than electromagnetic exposure.  For instance, the
authors make a statement to the effect:  "The lukemia rate was
found to be higher near the origin of power lines where the current
being carried higher..."  Of course people that live near the
origins of power lines also typically live closer to industrial
regions too, but this was not discussed.

Another interesteing thought is that the earth's steady state
magnetic field is hundreds of times larger than the fields imparted
by exposure to the power grid.  I'm not really qualified to argue
steady-sate vs. 60 Hz effects- I'd be interested in hearing from
somebody who is.  60 Hz is a very long wavelength, so it would seem
that it could be considered virtually steady sate -- maybe not.

At least, I'm glad that the topic is being studied.  I just hope
that the researchers conduct themselves in a responsible manner.

--Bill