Exploring the Potential Health Effects - Research Paper Example

?Running Head: Environmental Studies Exploring the Potential Health Effects of Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) A Research Paper of Student Course Title Name of Professor Date of Submission Introduction Even though electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) possibly will evoke in people’s mind an image of danger or ambiguity, specialists have had a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of them since the 19th century. EMFs can be found in all creatures or living beings and in nature. Basically, they come from numerous natural sources. Occurrences in the atmosphere generate massive stable electric fields at the earth’s surface, and occurrences in the core of the earth produce a magnetic field (Nair, 1989, 3). Current appliances like radio and television rely on EMFs for their functioning. EMFs have a substantial technological value. Figure 1. Highest 60 Hz transmission voltage in North America *image taken from Nair (1989, 4) Voltage produces electric fields. Electric fields are greater when the voltage is higher. An electric field can be found in any domestic device that is connected to a source of electricity, although it is not functioning. Magnetic fields are produced by electricity running through a wire. The intensity of magnetic fields amplifies with electricity; hence, an intensified magnetic field can be found near a domestic device that operates on ‘high’ (Kheifets et al., 2006, 1532). An electrical device should be connected to a source of electricity and should be functioning to produce a magnetic field. EMFs are present in all devices that use electricity, like televisions, radios, computers, and other domestic devices. Magnetic fields linked to electrical devices are normally greater than those fields present in close proximity to power lines. Levels of EMF are greater near their source and decrease drastically with distance. This explains why there are greater EMF levels from particular domestic devices than from close by power lines (Al-Khamees, 2008, 730). All the same, most people at present are exposed to EMFs for they arise every time electricity is turned on. Throughout the recent decade, scientific research has expressed concerns about potential detrimental health impacts associated with EMFs. A number of scientists claim that it is not possible for EMFs to have any significant impacts, but others differ. Even so, since electricity is used heavily and broadly and EMF sources are in all places, every individual at present is inescapably exposed to them. Hence, identifying any health or biologic impacts that could be related to EMF exposures is profoundly crucial. It is clearly apparent why a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the likelihood that power-frequency EMFs are linked to negative impacts. Researchers who examine how people react to risk have found out that specific forms of risks draw out more forceful reactions than others. Cancer is one of the health risks that have been linked to exposure to EMFs. Children are found out to be highly vulnerable to leukemia and potential behavioral and reproductive risks (National Research Council, 1997, 17). Sources of the empirically identified EMF risks are mostly inflicted on individuals and are beyond their control. Moreover, the EMFs that are the root of the empirically identified risks are undetectable and strange to many (Office of Technology Assessment, 2002, 1). All such aspects force a lot of people to react with worry and concern to the possible hazards related to exposure to EMFs. When an essential resource like electricity is found out to be linked to detrimental health consequences, it is easy to comprehend why concerns and worries have taken place. It is evident as well that the possible health impacts are simply one aspect of the concern. If tremendous efforts are exerted to lessen power-frequency EMF exposures, a substantial amount of money will have to be used up, such as to remodel domestic devices and residential electrical system, or to cover distribution and transmission lines (Mcmahan, Lutz, & Meyer, 2002, 9). The public would contribute to the realization of such actions through bigger personal spending on domestic devices and bigger utility or service payments. If the concerns are removed, but actions are carried out to meet the demands of the people, huge expenses would be sustained unreasonably. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the scientific findings that will help citizens, public agencies, health care professionals, and the government to carry out more thoroughly updated and knowledgeable discussions about the possible health hazards of exposure to EMFs and in due course contribute to the formulation of a useful and applicable policy. Specifically, this paper argues that scientists and public authorities should work together to protect the public from the health hazards posed by low-frequency, low-strength electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) caused by exposures to household electric devices and power lines as research findings show that routine exposure to EMFs cause detrimental health effects such as developmental and reproductive disorders, neurobehavioral problems, or cancer. Current Knowledge about EMFs Biologically, electric and magnetic fields produce faint electric streams in the bodies of animals and human beings. Normally, the current is very faint to break through cell membranes and is present just between the cells, yet EMFs have the capacity to bring about biological impacts. Some scientists claim that a cell reacts to a stimulated electric streams as a signal, although the current produced by EMF is weaker in strength than the noise of the own spontaneous currents of the body (Brain et al., 2003, 963). Some of the discovered biological reactions to EMFs are (a) changes in gene order that are involved in the generation of tumor; (b) impacts on immune and developmental functions; (c) changes in circadian rhythms; and (d) reaction of brain tissue, such as behavioral alterations and unstable alterations (EPA, 1994, IR-11). This knowledge is essential to find out biological reactions and field constraints vital for health studies. The biological impacts of EMF can be most accurately explained by a three-step model, namely, (1) transduction, (2) amplification, and (3) expression. In transduction, energy in EMFs should be changed into a biophysical or biochemical conversion to influence a biological mechanism (EPA, 1994, IR-11). Amplification, on the other hand, is required to push the early biophysical adjustments activated by the field. Amplification would afterward result in the expression of the impact as a discernible component in the laboratory. This three-step model further kindles the debate on the biological potential of EMF contact with living beings. Even though the physical perspective assumes that the cell’s internal functioning could not be influenced fully by an outside electric field, bio-molecules on or inside the cell exterior could function as the field’s transducers (EPA, 1994, IR-11). Hence, the claims of the physical perspective concerning a confined small sphere-shaped cell might not be true for more factual perspectives of tissues and cells. More factual perspectives should take account of identified cellular processes like certain molecular occurrences on or inside the membrane of a cell that trigger a flow of biochemical passages inside the cell. The findings that faint EMFs bring about various biological impacts mean that transduction, amplification, and expression mechanisms take place (Ueno, 1996). Conceptual perspectives have been confined to electric-field contacts and fail to deal with increasing findings showing that EMFs can interact fully with cells to bring about changed reactions (Ueno, 1996). As stated by Takebe (2001), improvements in knowledge of the processes of physical contact of EMF with living beings and bio-chemicals will enhance explanation of both transduction and amplification. In recent times, the media have widely placed emphasis on whether health illnesses or disorders could develop from EMF exposure. Private and public concerns are rooted in empirical findings of a statistical correlation between human exposure to EMFs and some types of cancer, including discernible biological impacts in laboratory cells, tissues, and animals (Sagan, 1996). Even though current research findings do not substantiate a significant correlation between exposure to EMF and human illness, they do indicate the importance of additional studies to take into consideration an accurate assessment of the likelihood of public health hazards and evaluation of their possible enormity. The most compelling substantiation for health impacts originate from relationships identified in individuals with two types of cancer, namely, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and childhood leukemia in working adults (n.a., 2002). Although evidence from individual research is inconclusive, epidemiological research shows a quite consistent and solid pattern of a slight, heightened risk with escalating exposure to EMFs (National Research Council, 1997). The absence of correlation between the experimental findings and human findings seriously makes the interpretation of such findings difficult. EMFs at 60 Hz power frequency are produced by the generation, distribution, and use of electricity. 60 Hz fields, including higher frequency fields, are produced by turning on appliances like televisions and fluorescent lights. Several military and non-military communication and nautical transmitters create fields at frequencies not higher than 500,000 Hz (EPA, 1994, I-5). Current transportation systems that are powered by electricity like electric trains or mass transit systems, and electric vehicles and magnetically raised trains could produce intense magnetic fields at frequencies lower and higher than 60 Hz (EPA, 1994, I-5). Even though a large number of sources of EMFs in the environment have been discerned, on the whole, the EMFs related to such sources have not been sufficiently described. Insufficient attention has been given on the description of fields related to distribution lines which, compared to transmission lines, are far more far-reaching and are a far more widespread exposure source in neighborhoods. Much more inadequate attention has been given to field identification in public settings, like schools and homes, where individuals could be near to electric currents in office devices, electrical tools, and buildings (IARC, 2002). Hence, an EMF exposure assessment plan should take into account source identification in household settings, and sources in public settings, such as transmission and distribution lines. Empirical Evidence on Potential Health Risks of EMFs Recently, an increasing number of epidemiological studies appear to show a correlation between human illnesses and extensive exposure to EMFs. A current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) paper reported that people can recognize EMFs from power lines and possibly other residential sources as a potential source of cancer in human beings (Kloepfer, 1993, 53). Epidemiological research is employed to determine the correlations between health outcomes and exposure to an alleged cause of illness. Epidemiological research has employed a variety of procedures for measuring previous EMF exposure to present scientific proof about the risk of health impacts from EMF exposures. Epidemiologic studies have consistently reported insignificant correlations between childhood leukemia and levels of power-line EMFs in household settings. Nevertheless, the likelihood that such correlations are influenced by bias cannot be discounted. Currently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified EMFs as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ (Brain et al., 2003, 962), derived from “consistent statistical associations of high-level residential magnetic fields with a doubling of the risk of childhood leukemia” (Brain et al., 2003, 962). Similarly, in 2002, the California Department of Health Services (CADHS) released a paper stating that “EMFs can cause some degree of increased risk of childhood leukemia, adult brain cancer, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and miscarriage” (Brain et al., 2003, 962). In addition, the correlation between magnetic field exposures and various other cancers has been taken into consideration in industrial or occupational environments. Examples are thyroid cancers, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, cancers in employees’ children, testicular cancers, breast cancers, brain cancers, etc (Takebe, 2001, 6). Several proofs are reported for a correlation between EMF exposure and brain cancers and between EMF exposure and breast cancers in females (Takebe, 2001, 6). Thus, the issue of whether exposure to EMFs has a potential contribution to the development of childhood leukemia is still one of the major public concerns. In general, there is a broad agreement that there is a somewhat consistent correlation between childhood leukemia and extended exposure to fairly intense magnetic fields. For instance, a collective study of the findings from various studies, made public in 2000, discovered that there was a heightened prevalence of childhood leukemia related to exposure to magnetic fields above 0.4 ?T (IARC, 2002, 134). Temporary exposure to intense static magnetic fields is reported to cause quite a few severe outcomes, such as discernible impacts on blood circulation and on the heart. Computer illustrations show potential impacts on the heart of electric streams stimulated by blood coursing through an intense magnetic field. Such potential impacts can be slight alterations in heart rhythm and a boost in the possibility of irregular heartbeats that could be acute. Thus, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommended a “reference level” of permissible length of exposure to EMF for populations of 830 mG (WHO, 2002, 61), which is a magnitude level greater than usual exposure to EMF from power lines.   Recommendations to Mitigate the Potential Health Effects of EMFs Some policymakers and organizations depended on the established doctrine of exposure assessment and hazard identification to formulate goals and recommendations. Health impacts associated with temporary, elevated exposure have been determined and shape the foundation of two international rules for EMF exposure, namely, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and ICNIRP (Kheifets et al., 2006, 1533). For temporary, elevated EMF exposures, negative health outcomes have been empirically determined. International exposure policies aimed at safeguarding the general public and employees from such impacts must be implemented by policymakers. According to the Office of Technology Assessment United States (2002), EMF mitigation and protection guidelines must consider exposure evaluations from sources or places where exposures could be predicted to go beyond limit scales. Some government and academic researchers, and international organizations concentrated on exposure assessment and mitigation methods. As such, they presented the following suggestions (Sagan, 1996, 174): (1) When designing new devices and building new facilities, cost-effective means of mitigating exposures could be examined. Applicable and necessary exposure reduction policies will differ from one society to another. Nevertheless, rules rooted in the implementation of subjective low exposure constraints are not unnecessary; (2) Countries are suggested to build open and useful communication systems with all the individuals, groups, and communities involved allowing appropriate decision-making. Such steps may involve strengthening collaboration and communication among the public, the government, and industry in the course of planning for EMF-discharging infrastructures; and (3) Industry and government must endorse research initiatives and oversee science to further improve the reliability and strength of empirical findings on the health impacts of EMF exposure. By means of EMF exposure and risk evaluation methods, discrepancies in knowledge have been mitigated. Conclusions As discussed, several studies have shown that there is a connection between exposure to EMF and some health diseases like cancer. Although there are several studies claiming that there is a weak or no correlation between EMF exposure and negative health effects, there are also numerous studies showing that exposure to EMF, especially temporary, high-level exposures, cause serious health illnesses. Hence, temporarily, the most useful instrument in dealing with concerns about electric and magnetic fields is open and efficient communication systems. Organizations whose workplaces or offices, products/services generate EMFs must be adequately equipped to address concerns from the general public, customers, and workers. Therefore, as substantiated by the empirical findings discussed and reviewed related literature, it is obvious that scientists and public authorities should work together to protect the public from the health hazards posed by low-frequency, low-strength electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) caused by exposures to household electric devices and power lines as research findings show that routine exposure to EMFs cause detrimental health effects such as developmental and reproductive disorders, neurobehavioral problems, or cancer. As concerns for human health become increasingly pressing, indecisive, and complex, exposure assessment and hazard identification will certainly serve a greater function. It is most appropriate in instances of unidentified risks to present all information, in an unambiguous and objective way, and to allow citizens to judge or decide for themselves as free, informed citizens. References n.a. (2002). Extremely-Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields- WHO Classifies the Cancer Risk. Journal of Environmental Health, 65(5), 47+ Al-Khamees, N. (2008). What Message Should Health Educators Give Regarding Electromagnetic Fields? College Student Journal, 42(3), 730+ Brain, J. et al. (2003). Childhood Leukemia: Electric and Magnetic Fields as Possible Risk Factors. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(7), 962+ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (1994). Electric and Magnetic Fields: An EPA Perspective on Research Needs and Priorities for Improving Health Risk Assessment. Washington, DC: DIANE Publishing. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (2002). Static and Extremely Low-Frequency (ELF) Electric and Magnetic Fields. Washington, DC: World Health Organization. Kheifets, L. et al. (2006). Public Health Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(10), 1532+ Kloepfer, R. (1993). Are Electric and Magnetic Fields a Cause for Concern? Journal of Environmental Health, 55(6), 53. Mcmahan, S., Lutz, R., & Meyer, J. (2002). Attitudes about Electric and Magnetic Fields: Do Scientists and Other Risk Experts Perceive Risk Similarly? Journal of Environmental Health, 65(5), 9+ Nair, I. (1989). Biological effects of power frequency electric and magnetic fields. Pittsburgh, PA: DIANE Publishing. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on the Possible Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Biologic Systems. (1997). Possible health effects of exposure to residential electric and magnetic fields. New York: National Academies. Office of Technology Assessment United States (2002). Biological Effects of Power Frequency Electric and Magnetic Fields. Washington, DC: The Minerva Group, Inc. Sagan, L. (1996). Electric and Magnetic Fields: Invisible Risks? London: Taylor and Francis. Takebe, H. (2001). Biological and Health Effects from Exposure to Power-Line Frequency Electromagnetic Fields: Confirmation of Absence of Any Effects at Environmental Field Strengths. New York: IOS Press. Ueno, S. (1996). Biological Effects of Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields. New York: Springer. World Health Organization (WHO) (2002). Establishing a Dialogue on Risks from Electromagnetic Fields. Washington, DC: World Health Organization. Read More